Category Archives: R & B

“Walkin’ With Mr. Lee” – Lee Allen (1958)

Posted on March 2, 2024 by Richard Barry

Pete Thomas’s terrific website Taming the Saxophone has a page dedicated to the masters of Rhythm and Blues saxophone, with bios and clips. He writes: These biographies, photos and sound clips include all the influential rhythm and blues saxophone players … Continue reading →

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“I Want to Be Loved” – Savanah Churchill (1947)

Posted on March 1, 2024 by Richard Barry

“I Want To Be Loved (But Only By You)” is a 1947 ballad recorded by Savannah Churchill. The single was Churchill’s most successful release on the R&B charts, reaching number one, and staying there for 8 weeks.  It settled at … Continue reading →

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“Sixty Minute Man” – Billy Ward and His Dominoes (1951)

Posted on February 29, 2024 by Richard Barry

For some people “Sixty Minute Man” will be familiar as having been featured in the 1988 movie Bull Durham. Think Kevin Costner, Susan Sarandon and toenail painting, after you thought it was something else. The song follows a theme well-known in blues music in … Continue reading →

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“You Talk Too Much” – Joe Jones (1960)

Posted on February 29, 2024 by Richard Barry

Joe Jones (1926 – 2005) was born in New Orleans. He was an R&B singer, songwriter and arranger, and is often cited as having discovered the Dixie Cups, a pop girl group best known for the 1964 hit “Chapel of Love.” “You … Continue reading →

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“Jim Dandy (to the Rescue)” – LaVern Baker (1956)

Posted on February 28, 2024 by Richard Barry

Any song with a growling tenor sax will grab my attention. “Jim Dandy” by LaVern Baker (1929-1997) fits the category. It was written by Lincoln Chase (1926-1980) and first recorded by Ms. Baker in 1956. It topped the R&B charts … Continue reading →

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“I Don’t Want to Go Home” – Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes (1976)

Posted on January 28, 2024 by Richard Barry

On February 10, 1977, the group Boston hit the stage at Long Island’s Nassau Coliseum as the headline act having quickly risen to rock stardom on the strength of their eponymous debut album, and I was there. I was 18 … Continue reading →

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