American Song

American Song is a podcast that traces the origins and development of American - and ultimately world-wide - forms of modern musical entertainment. Over time, we will trace every major genre from its origins through the current day.American Song looks at the development of our music through the lens of social, political, and economic changes that were occurring in each case, and we'll feature the most important musicians in each genre.Every episode is chock-full of the music we love and where possible, we include archival interviews so you can hear about, in the actual words and voices of these great musicians and singers, the motives and passions that drove their creativity.

All Episodes

American Song

R&B Was Born on the American Song River

September 05, 2021 • Joe Hines • Season 1 • Episode 12

This episode is dedicated to the memory of Rolling Stones drummer, Charlie Watts,. Charlie passed away while I was preparing this episode. In a career that spanned more than sixty years, he left us all a massive library of songs and memories that we all will treasure forever. Thanks for everything, Charlie. It was only Rock and Roll, but I liked it!

Episode Description

It was a new day in America. The middle class was big and growing. Businesses were flush with cash it had come by, which meant people were working and saving and getting ahead. Those returning war-heroes had gotten to work making money, and making babies and America was a young country, too. So this young, expressive, exuberant, happy music was ideal for a nation that was feeling the same way. The fact that this new, young music became THE music of the day represented a sea change in what America was all about.

Even more, Rhythm’n Blues set the stage for the next big arrival – rock and roll….. like the great R&B singer, Ruth Brown said, “when the white kids started dancing to it, R&B turned into Rock and Roll.” Hold that thought for a future episode!

Welcome to American Song, Episode 12: R&B Was Born on the Great American Music River.

Tracks

Ike and Tina Turner - River Deep, Mountain High
Barrett Strong - Money, That’s What I Want
Nina Simone - Mississippi Goddam
Erskine Hawkins - After Hours
Ahmet Ertegün and Charlie Rose Interview Excerpt
Bib Mama Thornton - Hound Dog
James Jamerson (isolated bass) - What’s Goin’ On
Louis Jordan - Is You Is, Or Is You Ain’t My Baby?
Louis Jordan - Saturday Night Fish Fry
Erskine Hawkins - Tuxedo Junction
Harlem Hamfats - Weed Smokers Dream
Cab Calloway - Minnie the Moocher
Count Basie - One O’CLock Jump
Bullmoose Jackson - Big Ten Inch
King Curtis - Instant Groove
Lionel Hampton - Flying Home
Lionel Hampton - Hey! Bop a Re Bop
T Bone Walker - Stormy Monday
BB King - Live at Sing Sing Prison
Elvis Presley - That’s Alright Mama
Hoss Allen Interview
Ike & Tina Turner - Proud Mary
Booker T and the MGs - Green Onions
Martha and the Vandella’s - Dancing in the Street
Stevie Wonder - Heaven Help Us All
Funk Bros. - Aint No Mountain High Enough
Funk Bros. - You Keep My Hangin’ On
Funk Bros. - I Was Made to Love Her
Marvin Gaye - What’s Goin’ On
The New Moonglows - Twelve Months of the Year
Marvin Gaye - How Sweet it Is
Berry Gordy Talks about Marvin Gaye
Ray Charles - Hit the Road Jack
Ray Charles Interview on Dick Cavett
Maxin Trio - Blues Before Sunrise
Ray Charles - I Got a Woman
Ray Charles - What’d I Say
Ray Charles - Georgia on My Mind
Ruth Brown - 5-10-15 Hours
Ruth Brown - I’ll Wait For You
Ruth Brown Interview with Terri Gross (NPR)
Aretha Franklin - Do Right Woman, Do Right Man
Aretha Franklin Interview with Terri Gross (NPR)
Aretha Franklin - (You Make Me Feel Like A) Natural Woman
Aretha Franklin - Respect
Aretha Franklin - I Say a Little Prayer For You
Aretha Franklin - Chain of Fools
Sam & Dave - Soul Man