At the end of the Second World War, economics forced the big bands to trim their once great size and thus, the Jump Blues combo was born. Between 1946-1954, rhythm and blues laid the tracks for what was to become Rock n’ Roll. So how come, 75 years later, this vibrant and influential music is still so unknown to so many? Matt The Cat is going to change that with the radio program, “Juke In The Back.” These were the records that you couldn’t hear on the jukebox in the front of the establishment. To hear all this great 1950s rhythm & blues, you had to go to “Juke In The Back.”
https://www.jukeintheback.org
Episode #578 – Little Willie John
Air Week: May 31-June 6, 2021
Little Willie John
The “Juke In The Back” is proud to spotlight one of R&B’s most underrated singers and showmen, Little Willie John. Born in Arkansas, Willie was raised in Detroit and took advantage of its thriving music scene from an early age. By 18, he was recording for the influential King Record Label out of Cincinatti and by 19, he was on top of the R&B charts with “Fever” in the spring of 1956. Enlightening interviews with Otis Williams of the Charms as well as Willie’s older sister, Mable John add depth to Willie’s story. Matt The Cat explores the breadth of Willie’s catalog, from his first hit “All Around The World” in 1955, to his big comeback in 1958 with “Talk To Me, Talk To Me,” to his final recordings, which have only recently been released. The spotlight shines bright on a great big talent, Little Willie John on this week’s “Juke In The Back.”
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