R&B Was Born on the American Song River

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 DescriptionIt 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.TracksIke and Tina Turner - River Deep, Mountain HighBarrett Strong - Money, That’s What I WantNina Simone - Mississippi GoddamErskine Hawkins - After HoursAhmet Ertegün and Charlie Rose Interview ExcerptBib Mama Thornton - Hound DogJames Jamerson (isolated bass) - What’s Goin’ OnLouis Jordan - Is You Is, Or Is You Ain’t My Baby?Louis Jordan - Saturday Night Fish FryErskine Hawkins - Tuxedo JunctionHarlem Hamfats - Weed Smokers DreamCab Calloway - Minnie the MoocherCount Basie - One O’CLock JumpBullmoose Jackson - Big Ten InchKing Curtis - Instant GrooveLionel Hampton - Flying HomeLionel Hampton - Hey!  Bop a Re BopT Bone Walker - Stormy MondayBB King - Live at Sing Sing PrisonElvis Presley - That’s Alright MamaHoss Allen InterviewIke & Tina Turner - Proud MaryBooker T and the MGs - Green OnionsMartha and the Vandella’s - Dancing in the StreetStevie Wonder - Heaven Help Us AllFunk Bros. - Aint No Mountain High EnoughFunk Bros. - You Keep My Hangin’ OnFunk Bros. - I Was Made to Love HerMarvin Gaye - What’s Goin’ OnThe New Moonglows - Twelve Months of the YearMarvin Gaye - How Sweet it IsBerry Gordy Talks about Marvin GayeRay Charles - Hit the Road JackRay Charles Interview on Dick CavettMaxin Trio - Blues Before SunriseRay Charles - I Got a WomanRay Charles - What’d I SayRay Charles - Georgia on My MindRuth Brown - 5-10-15 HoursRuth Brown - I’ll Wait For YouRuth Brown Interview with Terri Gross (NPR)Aretha Franklin - Do Right Woman, Do Right ManAretha Franklin Interview with Terri Gross (NPR)Aretha Franklin - (You Make Me Feel Like A) Natural WomanAretha Franklin - RespectAretha Franklin - I Say a Little Prayer For YouAretha Franklin - Chain of FoolsSam & Dave - Soul Man