1900 - 1941: Pre R&B Years

1920 - 1941

Leroy Carr; Memphis Minnie, others to be added...

  • Walter Buddy Boy Hawkins - (1929) Throwin' Voice Blues
  • Leroy Carr - (1931) Papa Wants to Knock A Jug
  • Memphis Minnie - (1935) Down in the Alley


Next page ..... 1942 - 1954 - R&B Years


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Jazz Influences

It should be noted that many jazz musicians recorded with 1950s R&B artists. Early R&B performers who recorded songs with vibraphonists include Johnny Ace, Earl Connelly King, Lavern Baker, and Chuck Willis. Some musicians and producers who were involved in early R&B are:

  • Cab Calloway - Jazz musician and orchestra leader; influenced many artists during the 1930s through the 1950s; a cultural legend worthy of additional study.
  • Earl Hines - influenced many artists during the 1940s; joined Louis Armstrong's All Stars after Earl's orchestra disbanded.
  • Johnny Otis - produced Johnny Ace in Memphis, Tennessee
  • Lionel Hampton - vibraphonist/leader
  • Louis Armstrong - Cornet player, arranger, singer, and universal musician who shaped New Orleans jazz, and the future of New Orleans music during the 1940s. In 1963 Armstrong scored a huge international hit with his version of "Hello Dolly". This number- one single knocked the Beatles off the top of the charts. Louis Armstrong's contribution to American popular music and Jazz cannot be measured.
  • Teddy Charles - vibraphonist; recorded with Earl Connelly King in New York City
    recorded with Chuck Willis in New York City
  • Quincy Jones - Arranged jazz recordings for Ray Charles (See 1961 listing)

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