Harlem
Johnny “Guitar” Watson is one of the most underrated R&B; guitar players of the 1950s. He began his career as a piano player for Chuck Higgins’ band before jumping ship as a solo performer for Federal Records in 1953. He scored his biggest hit of the ’50s with the Bihari Brothers RPM Label in 1955 with his cover of Earl King’s “Those Lonely Lonely Nights”. This week, you’ll hear the best of Watson’s 1950s recordings, including a demo version of the infamous “Gangster Of Love”, which at that time was called “Bandit Of Love”. Don’t miss it as Matt The Cat reveals the story behind the story on one of the original bad boys of R&B.;
Harlem Airs On XM 5:
Monday 7/2 @ 1pm EST
Tuesday 7/3 @ 9pm over LA and Midnight over NYC
Friday 7/6 @ 6pm EST
Sunday 7/8 @ 11am EST
This week HARLEM looks at the contenders for the first rock n’ roll record by examining the most influential rhythm & blues releases between 1945 and 1955. Whether it’s Illinois Jacquet’s horn, Wynonie “Mr. Blues” Harris’ voice, Fats Domino’s piano or Louis Jordan’s humor, one thing is for certain; these songs ROCK! Matt The Cat takes an in-depth look at how records like “It’s Too Soon To Know”, “Cadillac Boogie”, “Rocket 88” and “Sixty Minute Man” changed the course of American Music. Authors Billy Vera, Steve Propes and Jim Dawson join Matt on his quest for R&B; treasure.
Harlem Airs on the 50s on 5:
Monday 6/25 @ 1pm EST
Tuesday 6/26 @ 9pm PST and Midnight EST
Friday 6/30 @ 6pm EST
Sunday 7/2 @ 11am EST
VOTE for what YOU think is the FIRST ROCK N’ ROLL RECORD at https://www.mattthecat.com/forum/ and clock on the NIGHT PROWL SHOW topic. Take the poll! Voice your choice, baby!
Roy Brown wrote and recorded the original “Good Rockin’ Tonight” for De-Lux Records in 1947. He had the biggest selling R&B; record of 1950 with “Hard Luck Blues” and recorded the original “Let The Four Winds Blow” before Fats Domino got his hands on it. This week HARLEM pays respect to one of the true fathers of Rock n’ Roll. Roy Brown IS the soul that came before rock n’ roll. Roy Brown IS HARLEM, only on the 50s on 5.
Harlem Airs on the 50s on 5:
Monday Afternoon 6/18 @ 1pm EST
Tuesday Night 6/19 @ 9pm over LA – midnight over NYC
Friday Night 6/22 @ 6pm over NJ
Sunday Morning 6/24 @ 11am over Boston
ABOUT
This blog is dedicated to the preservation of the world's greatest music: 1940s-70s Rhythm & Blues and Rock n' Roll. When I'm not collecting records, I'm listening to them.
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