Butterbeans and Susie were never a household name in the middle and upper class, however they were one of the most successful comedic music acts on the black vaudeville circuit. Part of the couple’s (they were given $50 and married on stage as part of a comic bit) popularity came because they recorded and toured with many early-jazz greats, such as King Oliver. “Kiss Me Sweet” is an amorous tune about longing for a kiss from your lover, and baby, Susie sings it so sweet.
“Kiss Me Sweet“ (play/download mp3)
Alberta Hunter was a pioneering African-American singer, the first woman to erase the lines between soul, jazz, and pop music. “Nobody Knows the Way I Feel This Morning” recorded in 1921, is a sermon giving agency to women all over the world who are stuck with no good cheating men. “Nobody Knows the Way I Feel This Morning” has been covered by many great female African-American singers such as Dinah Washington and Aretha Franklin.
“Nobody Knows the Way I Feel This Morning“ (play/download mp3)
My hat is off to whomever remastered this mp3 from the original 78. Tom Dickson’s voice shines like the clear blue sky after a rain storm. “Labor Blues” was recorded in Memphis, February 1928, is truly a lost treasure, and this is my labor of love that I share this mp3 with you.
“Labor Blues“ (play/download mp3)
Nick Lucas is known in jazz-guitarist circles as: “The Grandfather of jazz guitar.” In 1922 he cut 2 sides, “Teasin’ the Frets” and “Pickin’ The Guitar.” These are the first solo jazz guitar instrumentals ever recorded. You can hear Nick’s inventiveness as he teases the frets of his guitar, telling a story through song that will light up your imagination with child-like glee.
“Teasin’ the Frets“ (play/download mp3)
Noble Sissle & Eubie Blake were both born in the North. However like other black musicians in the 1920s, they faced obstacles while trying to perform in white-owned theaters. “Waitin’ For The Evening Mail,” recorded in 1923, is a catchy, ragtime-y song written from the perspective of a jailbird. Of course the inmate is howling innocence, and the piece of mail he is waiting for is notice of bail. Spoiler: He never makes bail.
“Watin For The Evening Mail“ (play/download mp3)
