With his simple, accessible sound and signature laid-back style, JIMMY REED was just about the most commercially successful Blues artist in the USA during the 50s and 60s.
Jimmy Reed signed with Chicago's Vee-Jay Records in 1953 and he stayed with the label for nearly a dozen years, during a decade where blues had its last great run as a hit singles medium. Reed was partially responsible for the golden age of blues hits on the R&B charts in the '50s, racking up nine Billboard R&B Top 10 singles between 1955 and 1961. All the hits, along with their flipsides – and, sometimes, the spoken introduction not released on a 45 – are here on this magnificent triple-disc set from Craft Recordings.
Long a Chicago club mainstay, Duncan sings and blows harp in the time-honored 1950s style of that city's rich blues tradition. Backed by the Rockin' Johnny Band, Duncan runs through a set of originals and old favorites that proves that there's still a few of the old timers left who can deliver the goods. Duncan's harp is replaced by Martin Lang on three tracks and Eddie Taylor Jr. takes over the guitar chores on two tunes, and is particularly effective on "Tribute to Jimmy Reed." Although some of Little Arthur's originals skirt the issue of copyright and his timing is suspect in spots, this is one fine album of journeyman blues sung and played with a whole lot of feeling.
10-CD box set that contains 250 original Rockabilly recordings. Featuring Jonny Cash, Carl Phillips, Johnny Horton, Marty Robbins, Tennessee Ernie Ford, Hank Thompson, Faron Young, Bill Haley & The Saddlemen and many others. All the tracks were recorded between 1947 and 1960 but with the vast majority coming from the 1950's.
Celebrating sixty years since the launch of one of the most successful independent record labels in US Popular music. Received wisdom would have us believe that before Motown, no black-owned record company had made a significant impact on the US mainstream. However, the actuality is something else entirely. Way back in the early 50s, long before Berry Gordy had written his first song, VEE-JAY RECORDS - a black, family owned and run, Chicago-based label - was establishing itself via a steady stream of Blues, R&B, DooWop and Gospel hits.
There are a large number of blues albums floating around. It is a great collection of tunes and a value purchase. Outstanding group of musicians and totally enjoyed the music, blues and recommend this to anyone enjoying the blues and wanting the best of musicians.