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The Legends of the Rocking Dutchman - episode 25 (ALT)

Race Music Chart

Number ones, 1947-1948

Today the number ones of Billboard's Race music chart of 1947 and a part of 1948. And you can say that Rhythm & Blues really had grown mature in a short time. The big bands that dominated the hit lists just a few years ago, are completely absent from the top of the list and all seems to go about the latest sensation of African American music - the jump blues. Pioneer Louis Jordan had some more of his greatest hits but today's playlist shows more names - including a few veterans of the blues.

For the list of number ones, I rely on this Wikipedia list. As you can see, there's something odd in the dates in today's playlist: July 10 of 1948 both features Sonny Thompson and Louis Jordan. Though there is some kind of explanation on Wikipedia, I also had to look that up in Billboard Magazine itself that is available on-line through Google Books. It appears there's not just one Race music chart; there are two. One for best selling retail and one for most played in juke boxes. The Wikipedia list has merged these two and that explains the duplicates: on July, 10 Louis Jordan was most played in juke boxes while Sonny Thompson sold best.

Transcript

Playlist

  1. Louis Jordan - Ain't Nobody Here But Us Chickens
  2. Savannah Churchill & the Sentimentals - I want to be loved (but only by you)
  3. Eddie 'Cleanhead' Vinson - Old Maid Boogie
  4. Jack McVea - Open The Door Richard!
  5. Louis Jordan - Jack You're Dead
  6. Julia Lee and her Boy Friends - (Opportunity Knocks But Once) Snatch And Grab It
  7. Bull Moose Jackson - I Love You Yes I Do
  8. Julia Lee & Her Boyfriends - King Size Papa
  9. Lonnie Johnson - Tomorrow Night
  10. Wynonie Harris - Good Rockin' Tonight
  11. Sonny Thompson - Long Gone
  12. Louis Jordan - Run Joe
  13. Bull Moose Jackson - I Can't Go On Without You
  14. Memphis Slim - Messin' Around
  15. Wynonie Harris - Lollipop Mama
  16. Arbee Stidham - My Heart Belongs To You
Outtro:
  • Wild Bill Moore Sextette - Bongo Bounce
The following music served as background music during the spoken parts:
  • Kirk Kirkland - The Saxaphone Rag
  • Jim Wynn - J.W. Bop
  • Joe Lutcher - Strato-Cruiser
  • Russell Jacquet - Lion's Roar
  • Sonny Thompson- Sonny's Return
  • Louis Jordan - Boogie Woogie Blue Plate
  • Louis Jordan - Texas and Pacific