Episode 71: “Willie and the Hand Jive” by Johnny Otis

A History of Rock Music in 500 Songs
A History of Rock Music in 500 Songs
Episode 71: "Willie and the Hand Jive" by Johnny Otis
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The Three Tons of Joy by a street sign saying "London", with Johnny Otis running up to them carrying a guitar

Episode seventy-one of A History of Rock Music in 500 Songs continues our look at British music TV by looking at the first time it affected American R&B, and is also our final look at Johnny Otis.

Patreon backers also have a ten-minute bonus episode available, on “Short Shorts” by the Royal Teens, a group whose members went on to be far more important than one might expect.

Also, this is the first of hopefully many podcasts to come where Tilt Araiza has assisted invaluably by doing a first-pass edit, and will hopefully be doing so from now on. Check out Tilt’s irregular podcasts at http://www.podnose.com/jaffa-cakes-for-proust and http://sitcomclub.com/

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Episode 23: “Pledging My Love” by Johnny Ace

A History of Rock Music in 500 Songs
A History of Rock Music in 500 Songs
Episode 23: "Pledging My Love" by Johnny Ace
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Johnny Ace

Welcome to episode twenty-three of A History of Rock Music in Five Hundred Songs. Today we’re looking at “Pledging My Love” by Johnny Ace Click the full post to read liner notes, links to more information, and a transcript of the episode.

Also, remember I’m three-quarters of the way through the Kickstarter for the first book based on this series.

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“Rocket 88” by Jackie Brenston and the Delta Cats

A History of Rock Music in 500 Songs
A History of Rock Music in 500 Songs
"Rocket 88" by Jackie Brenston and the Delta Cats
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A poster showing Jackie Brenston in front with his saxophone, while Ike Turner glowers at him from the piano in the background

Welcome to episode eleven of A History of Rock Music in Five Hundred Songs. Today we’re looking at “Rocket 88” by Jackie Brenston and the Delta Cats. Click the full post to read liner notes, links to more information, and a transcript of the episode.

Continue reading ““Rocket 88” by Jackie Brenston and the Delta Cats”