The Legends of the Rocking Dutchman - episode 128

The Freedom label

Today's spotlight is a record label from one of the hotspots of Rhythm & Blues that was perhaps less known as Chicago, New York of Los Angeles, but for sure it was hot and happening. I'm talking about Houston and its Freedom label. Actually, it's the second set on this label - I did one long time ago, and I had enough music left to do a second one.

Unfortunately very little documentation survived on this label, but the music has been well-preserved and is easy to find on re-release albums. The label both recorded local artists as some greats that passed by, most notably Joe Turner.

And of course we have these legendary stories again - this time brings us Texas Alexander and the reason why he disappeared off the radar for six years prior to recording for the Freedom label.

Transcript

Playlist

  1. Goree Carter - Sweet Ole Woman's Blues (Freedom 1502)
  2. Leroy 'Country' Johnson - Log House On the Hill (1509)
  3. Jesse Thomas - Let's Have Some Fun (1513)
  4. L.C. Williams - Shout Baby Shout (1517)
  5. Goree Carter - She's Just Old Fashioned (1518)
  6. Lonnie Lyons - Down In The Groovy (1519)
  7. Connie McBooker - Loretta (1520)
  8. Goree Carter - She's My Best Bet (1522)
  9. Lonnie Lyons - Betrayed (1523)
  10. L.C williams - Louisiana Boogie (1524)
  11. Joe Houston - Way Cross Mama (1526)
  12. L.C. Williams - Mean And Evil (1529)
  13. Joe Houston - Your Little Girl Is Gone (1535)
  14. Big Joe Turner - Just A Travelin' Man (1537)
  15. Texas Alexander - Crossroads (1538)
  16. Big Joe Turner - Feeling Happy (1540)
  17. Big Joe Turner - Midnight Is Here Again a.k.a Dawn is Breakin' Through (1545)

Outtro:

  • Wild Bill Moore Sextette - Bongo Bounce
The following music served as background music during the spoken parts:
  • Kirk Kirkland - The Saxaphone Rag
  • Chu Berry - Monday At Minton's
  • Earl Bostic - Sugar Hill Blues
  • Lester Young - D.B. Blues
  • Lucky Millinder - Heavy Sugar
  • Lynn Hope - Eleven Til Two