Friday Night Cat Fight Radio Show

History Of

“See See Rider Blues”

This week, I trace the history of another blues and rock n’ roll standard, “See See Rider.” It’s one of those songs that just feels like it’s been around forever, but like every great tune, there’s a story to tell. Ma Rainey first dropped this on shellac in 1924 with the help of Louis Armstrong’s band. It became a sensation in 1925 and that lead to many different covers of the tune. I’m presenting a brilliant version by Bea Booze (1943), a doo wop version by The Orioles (1952), the first rock n’ roll version by Chuck Willis (1957), LaVern Bakers retelling of the tale (1962) and the Animals’ “take no prisoners” take from 1966. Listen to all six versions in their entirety before making your decision and voting for your favorite. I will also have a collage that features versions by Leadbelly, Mississippi John Hurt and Elvis Presley.

Also on this week’s show, we bet on the horse races, hear a killer record from The Calvanes AND pay special birthday tributes to Johnny Maestro and Ricky Nelson.

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-MTC

Friday Night Cat Fight Radio Show

“Gonna Get Along Without You Now”

A 1950s classic tune has been reborn and the Friday Night Cat Fight Radio Show is here to present 4 different versions of “Gonna Get Along Without Ya Now.” You are probably most familiar with young Patience (14) and Prudence (11) and their rendition of the tune. But up for your consideration is the original hit by Teresa Brewer (1952) and Skeeter Davis’ retelling of it in 1964 as well as a brand NEW version of the song done by She & Him (Zooey Dechanel & M. Ward). So which one is it gonna be? Listen to all four in their entirety and then decide for yourself and VOTE!

This week’s show also includes a mess of killer instrumentals that have been forgotten to time, Johnny Horton live on the “Louisiana Hayride” radio program from 1956 and Louis Jordan’s musical plea for racial harmony and equality.

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The Friday Night Cat Fight Radio Show

“Sweets For My Sweet”

The Friday Night Cat Fight is the only show the puts 2 versions of the same song by 2 different groups up against each other and then asks for YOUR VOTE! A common theme on this show is the Americans vs. The Brits. This occurs so frequently, because in most cases the British covers of American tunes are so damn good, that they deserve mention. Also, sometimes the British group scored the bigger hit, while the original American cover is left behind, forgotten. That is not the case this week, as The Drifters scored a major top 20 hit on both the American pop and R&B charts. The Searchers 1963 cover hit #1 in the UK, but failed to chart Stateside when it was released here in 1964. So please listen to this week’s Cat Fight Show and then make your choice and VOTE for the one you truly DIG THE MOST!

Also on this week’s program, we find out what Mel Torme and a guitar virtuoso have in common, we make some R&B phone calls with Big Walter and Floyd Dixon AND we talk to former Oriole Diz Russell about Sonny Til, the man.

So listen, vote and DIG!

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