Category: Jazz

  • Big Maybelle

    Big Maybelle

    I think about Big Maybelle a lot. A queen of rhythm & blues, gospel, jazz, and blues largely forgotten. She was the first person to record “Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On.” Big Maybelle had big hits with “Gabbin’ Blues,” “Country Man,” and “Candy.”  There’s little footage of her performing live. In this clip from the…

  • Remembering Billie Holiday

    “Don’t threaten me with love, baby. Let’s just go walking in the rain.” -Billie Holiday In honor of Billie Holiday on her birthday, here’s “Lady Day” and an all-star band performing “Fine and Mellow.”