“Mistreatin’ Mama” is one of the templates of the modern blues sound, and it was covered by a litany of blues legends like: Robert Johnson, Big Bill Broonzy, and Leadbelly. Jaybird Coleman, armed with only a harmonica and a mono microphone – you can feel him pouring his soul into every note of “Mistreatin’ Mama.” Remastered from the original 78, there still remains a slow turning crackle that adds authenticity to this iconic mp3.
Mistreatin’ Mama (play/download mp3)
William Moore’s 78s are collector items. His music has been covered by a linty of modern blues and rock groups. And his music has been sampled by hip-hop and electronic producers. “One Way Gal” – a song that was sampled in hip-hop – is a gentle tune that William sings with the up-most sincerity. Recorded in Chicago late January 1928.
“One Way Gal” (play/download mp3)
In the early 1960s Syd Barrett decided to juxtapose Pink Anderson’s first name with another obscure bluesman (Floyd Council), to form the name of his band Pink Floyd. Two decades before Barrett was born, Columbia Records recorded two 78s with Pink Anderson & Simmie Dooley in 1928. After releasing “Every Day In The Week Blues” (the ‘A’ side of the second 78), Pink Anderson toured and didn’t record again until the 1950s. “Every Day In The Week Blues” is an upbeat number with both Pink Anderson and Simmie Dooley playing guitar and singing verses. This is a beautiful tune that deserves to be heard.
“Every Day in the Week Blues“ (play/download mp3)
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)
