Voracious DPC

Tag: Big Maybelle

  • 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…

  • 5 Songs For The End of The Week

    If you’re not invited to the party, throw your own.” -Diahann Carroll “Big Mama Thornton with The Muddy Waters Band-1966” is on my list of albums for required listening. According to Smithsonian Folkways Recording, “. . . the session was recorded without the benefit of a rehearsal. . .” You can hear the through lines…

  • Are Four Artists Enough For a Lifetime of Listening Pleasure?

    Could you really listen to only four musical artists for the rest of your life? Of course not, but it’s fun to think about. Everyday is a new opportunity to fall in musical love. A single song is all it takes. I fell for Carmen McRae, Nina Simone, and Grace Jones one song at a…

  • Five Songs For The End of The Week

    President Biden signed the American Rescue Plan COVID-19 relief bill and all adults are to be eligible for vaccines by May 1. There is still a lot more to be done, but we’re off to a promising start. What a week. We made it! Enjoy.