The Legends of the Rocking Dutchman - episode 229

Lester Melrose

I promised you several times so here it is, the story of Lester Melrose, the important producer of pre-war Chicago blues. Today I will tell about his life, his huge importance for Chicago's blues scene but also, how he got rich on the copyrights that belonged to the bluesmen.

I will also make a comparison with that other important pre-war producer - J. Mayo Williams, and you'll get the differences but also the striking similarities between the two.

Transcript

Playlist

  1. Tampa Red & Georgia Tom - Its Tight Like That
  2. King Oliver's Creole Jazz Band - Dipper Mouth Blues
  3. Jelly Roll Morton - Wolverine Blues
  4. Hokum Boys - Beedle Um Bum
  5. Big Bill Broonzy - Big Bill Blues
  6. Hokum Boys - Gambler's Blues
  7. Roosevelt Sykes- New 44 Blues
  8. Washboard Sam - My Bucket's Got A Hole In It
  9. Cats And The Fiddle - Killin' Jive
  10. Arthur 'Big Boy' Crudup - That's All Right
  11. Yas Yas Girl - Black Gypsy Blues
  12. Sonny Boy Williamson I - I Been Dealing With The Devil
  13. Memphis Slim - Grinder Man Blues
  14. Lil Green - If You Want To Share Your Love
  15. Bumble Bee Slim - Worrisome Woman Blues
  16. Big Three Trio - No More Sweet Potatoes

Outtro:

  • Wild Bill Moore Sextette - Bongo Bounce
The following music served as background music during the spoken parts:
  • Kirk Kirkland - The Saxaphone Rag
  • Cozy Eggleston - Big Heavy
  • Lucky Millinder - Apollo Jump
  • Sax Mallard - The Mojo
  • Sonny Thompson - Mellow Blues Part 2
  • Sonny Thompson - Backyard Affair