The Rhythm & Blues Chart
number ones 1953-1954
Today, the number ones on Billboard's Rhythm & Blues hit lists from of 1953 and 1954. And I start in mid-1953 because that's where I left you last time.
And once more, these one-and-a-half year got some great songs again that became instant classics. It also yielded a new character in the Rhythm & Blues, similar in popularity to Deacon Jones or Caldonia: Annie. The answer-songs and follow-ups to this song have been numerous and one of them hit number one in 1954 just like the original.
There's also a song that I had to play today that - let's say - I wouldn't have been inspired to do if I'd had a free choice. But this is what was on the hit list, so it had to go in. Judging from what I normally play on the Legends of the Rocking Dutchman, I think you can imagine what that was.
Playlist
- Johnny Ace - The Clock
- The Orioles - Crying In The Chapel
- Faye Adams - Shake a hand
- Clyde McPhatter & The Drifters - Money Honey
- Big Joe Turner - Honey Hush
- Guitar Slim - The Things That I Used To Do
- Faye Adams - I'll be true
- Roy Hamilton - You'll Never Walk Alone
- Hank Ballard & The Midnighters - Work With Me Annie
- Joe Turner & His Blues Kings - Shake Rattle and Roll
- Clyde McPhatter & The Drifters - Honey Love
- Ruth Brown - Oh What A Dream
- Hank Ballard & The Midnighters - Annie Had A Baby
- Faye Adams - Hurts Me to my Heart
- Ruth Brown - Mambo Baby
- Otis Williams and The Charms - Hearts Of Stone
- B.B. King - You Upset Me Baby
Outtro:
- Wild Bill Moore Sextette - Bongo Bounce
- Kirk Kirkland - The Saxaphone Rag
- Eddie Chamblee - Song Of India
- Frank 'Floorshow' Culley - That Girl
- Julian Dash - Creamin' Boogie
- Lloyd Glenn - Chica Boo
- Plas Johnson - Downstairs