I’ve been pretty sick for the last week or so, and my inability to hold my head upright has put a significant dent in my posting. I’m happy to say that I have recovered, and will be updating the November spins every day for the rest of the month!
We only have a week ’til Thanksgiving, so here’s your first course for the feast- a veritable blue plate special, served up by my favorite hep cat.
Louis Jordan – Boogie Woogie Blue Plate
Even if you’ve never heard of Louis Jordan, you’ve definitely heard his sound. Louis Jordan was a pioneer in jump blues, which was the major influence of rock ‘n roll. He was even inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Jordan and his Tympany Five band had dozens of big hits- 18 number one singles on the R & B Charts alone- and broad popular appeal. He was an all around entertainer- he played a mean sax, wrote a fun tune, acted in movies, and always delivered on the vocals.
Released in 1947 on Decca Records, “Boogie Woogie Blue Plate” was one of a string of huge hits for Jordan. From July 1946 through May 1947, Louis Jordan had five consecutive number 1 songs on the R & B charts, holding the top slot for 44 consecutive weeks. This tune peaked at number 21 on the US Pop chart. Dozens of his songs had broad crossover appeal during the time when radio was still segregated.
I first heard it on some weird compilation I pulled out of a bargain bin, and quickly started collecting his work. “Boogie Woogie Blue Plate” is my favorite of Jordan’s food songs- and he has dozens. I love the diner slang lyrics and the jazzy beat. It never fails to get me tapping my toe to the rhythm.
So here’s a heaping helping of blue plate goodness for the day. Enjoy!
November Songs
- The Neighborhood – Sweater Weather
- Little Milton – Grits Ain’t Groceries
- Louis Jordan – Boogie Boogie Blue Plate