WRFG Route 66 Playlist & Podcast March 1, 2026

WRFG’s Route 66 celebrates a time when blues, jazz, and R&B were on the same
page and, often, in the same song. Our primary focus is on the music of the
Jump Blues Era of the 1940s which blended into the early Rock & Roll Era
of the 1950s, and follow on how those styles and artists have evolved over
the years. We also bring you jazz from the era along with the occasional page
from the Great American Songbook.

Listen to Route 66 Sunday from 7:00 to 9:00 A.M. Eastern (U.S.) on
Atlanta’s WRFG 89.3FM. Your independent community radio station is
streaming worldwide over our free mobile app and WRFG.ORG.

Become a WRFG Route 66 Supporter

Follow us on Facebook @ WRFG Route 66 Jumps

Subscribe to our weekly podcast @ MixCloud.Com
You’ll find the one for this week at the bottom of this post.


Today’s featured artist is Nat King Cole. Born Nathaniel Adams Coles on March 17, 1919 in Montgomery, Alabama, Cole’s career as a jazz and pop vocalist started in the late 1930s and spanned almost three decades where he found success and recorded over 100 songs that became hits on the pop charts.

NAT KING COLE RESOURCES
Biography @ wikipedia.org
Discography @ discogs.com
Alabama Music Hall of Fame
Obituary in Los Angeles Times

WRFG ROUTE 66 PLAYLIST FOR SUNDAY, MARCH 1, 2026

Song
Artist
Original Album or Label & Date

Blues In B Flat
Oscar Moore Trio
Oscar Moore Trio 1954

You Don’t Learn That In School
King Cole Trio
Capitol Records 1946

It Could Happen To You
Lorez Alexandria
Deep Roots 1960

Hucklebuck Daddy Jimmy Preston Gotham Records 1949
Good Rockin’ Man Roy Brown De Luxe Records 1951
Daddy Daddy Ruth Brown Atlantic Records 1952

Moanin’
Christian McBride Big Band w/ José James
Without Further Ado, Vol 1 2025

Medley: 3 O’Clock Blues/Darlin’ You Know I Love You
B.B. King
Live At The Cook County Jail 1971

Send For Me
Catherine Russell
Send For Me 2022

Nature Boy
Nat King Cole
Capitol Records 1948

Kidney Stew Blues Van Morrison Somebody Tried to Sell Me a Bridge 2026
Strollin’ With Bones Clarence “Gatemouth” Brown Alright Again 1981

Route 66
Linda Hopkins
Wild Women Blues – Original Cast Recording 2003

Indiana
Lester Young, Nat King Cole, & Red Calender
Philo Records 1945

The Frim Fram Sauce
King Cole Trio
Capitol Records ‎ 1945

I’m An Errand Boy For Rhythm
John Pizzarelli
My Blue Heaven 1990

Rough Weather Blues Jimmy Liggins & His Drops of Joy Specialty Records 1948
Weather Man Sister Wynona Carr Specialty Records
Sanctified Gene Mighty Flea Conners Sanctified 1980
Well Oh Well Roomful Of Blues Steppin’ Out 2025
Salty Papa Blues Dinah Washington Keynote Recordings 1944
Papa Ain’t Salty T-Bone Walker Atlantic Records 1955
Smack Dab In The Middle Ella Mae Morse Capitol Records 1955
Milton’s Boogie Roy Milton & His Solid Senders Juke Box Records 1946

Straighten Up & Fly Right
Lyle Lovett
Smile 2003

Smile
Natalie Cole
Unforgettable: With Love 1991

C-Jam Blues & My Sugar is So Refined
King Cole Trio
Live at the Circle Room 1946

(sign off)

Tag (You’re It) Little Charlie & The Nightcats Nine Lives 2005



WRFG Route 66 Playlist & Podcast February 22, 2026

WRFG’s Route 66 celebrates a time when blues, jazz, and R&B were on the same
page and, often, in the same song. Our primary focus is on the music of the
Jump Blues Era of the 1940s which blended into the early Rock & Roll Era
of the 1950s, and follow on how those styles and artists have evolved over
the years. We also bring you jazz from the era along with the occasional page
from the Great American Songbook.

Listen to Route 66 Sunday from 7:00 to 9:00 A.M. Eastern (U.S.) on
Atlanta’s WRFG 89.3FM. Your independent community radio station is
streaming worldwide over our free mobile app and WRFG.ORG.

Become a WRFG Route 66 Supporter

Follow us on Facebook @ WRFG Route 66 Jumps

Subscribe to our weekly podcast @ MixCloud.Com
You’ll find the one for this week at the bottom of this post.


Today’s featured artist is Fats Domino. Born Antoine Dominique Domino Jr. in New Orleans on February 26, 1928, Domino’s career spanned both the jump blues and
rock & roll eras. He sold more than 65 million records and his first single,
“The Fat Man” is cited by some historians as the first rock and roll single and the
first to sell more than one million copies. Domino continued to work with the song’s
co-writer Dave Bartholomew, contributing his distinctive rolling piano style to
Lloyd Price’s “Lawdy Miss Clawdy” (1952) and scoring a string of mainstream
hits beginning with “Ain’t That a Shame” (1955).

Between 1955 and 1960, he had eleven Top 10 US pop hits. By 1955, five
of his records had sold more than a million copies, being certified gold.

FATS DOMINO RESOURCES
Biography @ wikipedia.org
Discography @ discogs.com
Fats Domino Official Website
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame


WRFG ROUTE PLAYLIST FOR SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2026

Song
Artist
Original Album or Label & Date

Poppa Stoppa Pee Wee Crayton Modern Records 1951

The Fat Man
Fats Domino
Imperial Records 1949

I Just Can’t Get New Orleans Off My Mind
Irma Thomas & Marcia Ball
Goin’ Home: a Tribute to Fats Domino 2007

Ain’t Nobody’s Business Ella Fitzgerald & Louis Jordan Decca Records 1950
Moon Dog Boogie Freddie Mitchell Derby Records 1952
S.K. Blues Pete Johnson & Joe Turner National Records 1945

Please Don’t Leave Me
Roomful of Blues
House of Joy (Live At Lupo”s Heartbreak Hotel) 1986

The Big Beat
Fats Domino
Imperial Records 1957

Honey Chile
Lucinda Williams
Goin’ Home: a Tribute to Fats Domino 2007

Mad Lad Sir Charles & His All Stars Apollo Records 1947
Nightless Lover Percy Mayfield Specialty Records 1951
Come Rain Or Come Shine Christian McBride Without Further Ado, Vol 1 2025
She’s Scattered Everywhere Archibald Imperial Records 1950
The Hustle Is On T-Bone Walker Imperial Records 1950
Stormy Monday Blues Billie Poole Confessin’ the Blues 1962
Lester Leaps Again Lester Young Keynote Recordings 1944
Them There Eyes Varetta Dillard Savoy Records 1952

Don’t Leave Me This Way
Fats Domino
Imperial Records 1953

Every Night About This Time
Luther Allison
Love Me Mama 1969

The Late Late Show Count Basie The Atomic Mr. Basie 1957
I’ll Be Glad When You’re Dead (You Rascal You) Duke Robillard BLAST OFF! 2026
Moanin’ Ray Charles w/ Count Basie Orchestra Genius + Soul = Jazz 1961
That’s A Pretty Good Love Jewel Brown & Bloodest Saxophone Roller Coaster… 2015
Love Contest Ruth Brown Atlantic Records 1954
Blues For Cuba Floyd Dixon Aladdin Records 1952
Our Love Is Here To Stay Dinah Washington After Hours with Miss D. 1954

Don’t You Lie To Me
James Harman w/Hollywood Fats
Mo’ Na’kins Please!-Strictly The Blues Vol.2 1985

I Hear You Knocking
Smiley Lewis
Specialty Records 1955

Going To The River
Chuck Willis
Okeh Records 1953

MEDLEY: Don’t You Know/Shake Rattle & Roll/Blueberry Hill
Fats Domino
Live! From The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival 2001

(sign off)

Tag (You’re It) Little Charlie & The Nightcats Nine Lives 2005

WRFG Route 66 Playlist & Podcast February 15, 2026

WRFG’s Route 66 celebrates a time when blues, jazz, and R&B were on the same
page and, often, in the same song. Our primary focus is on the music of the
Jump Blues Era of the 1940s which blended into the early Rock & Roll Era
of the 1950s, and follow on how those styles and artists have evolved over
the years. We also bring you jazz from the era along with the occasional page
from the Great American Songbook.

Listen to Route 66 Sunday from 7:00 to 9:00 A.M. Eastern (U.S.) on
Atlanta’s WRFG 89.3FM. Your independent community radio station is
streaming worldwide over our free mobile app and WRFG.ORG.

Become a WRFG Route 66 Supporter

Follow us on Facebook @ WRFG Route 66 Jumps

Subscribe to our weekly podcast @ MixCloud.Com
You’ll find the one for this week at the bottom of this post.


WRFG’s Route 66 celebrates a time when blues, jazz, and R&B were on the same
page and, often, in the same song. Our primary focus is on the music of the
Jump Blues Era of the 1940s which blended into the early Rock & Roll Era
of the 1950s, and follow on how those styles and artists have evolved over
the years. We also bring you jazz from the era along with the occasional page
from the Great American Songbook.

With Fat Tuesday straight ahead we bring you lots of great New Orleans music
during the second hour of our live show, plus an hour of NOL on our podcast
(which includes some tunes we didn’t get to on the air).

WRFG ROUTE 66 PLAYLIST FOR SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2026

Song
Artist
Original Album or Label & Date

Shipyard Social Function Lucky Millender Decca Records 1945
Let The Good Times Roll Ray Charles The Genius 1959
(Mama) He Treats Your Daughter Mean Ruth Brown Atlantic Records 1952
King For A Day Blues Van Morrison Somebody Tried to Sell Me a Bridge 2026
Paint It Black Deborah Silver & The Count Basie Orchestra Basie Rocks 2025
Please Love Me B.B. King & Orchestra R.P.M. Records 1953
Buttermilk (I) Jay McShann Down Beat Records 1949
Straighten Up & Fly Right Nat King Cole Capitol Records 1943
Lotus Blossom (Sweet Marijuana) Planet D Nonet Kings Of Kansas City… 2019
Tell Me, Daddy Julia Lee & Her Boy Friends Capitol Records 1948
Kidney Stew Blues Eddie “Cleanhead” Vinson Mercury Records 1947
You’ve Been A Good Old Wagon Lil Green RCA Victor 1947
Call Before You Go Home Memphis Slim United Records 1953
Bye Bye Blackbird Little Jimmy Scott But Beautiful 2002
Easy Living Billie Holiday Decca Records 1950

JUMPIN’ AT MARDI GRAS 2026

Big Chief
Professor Longhair
Crawfish Fiesta 1980

Jump, Jive, An’ Wail
Louis Prima
The Wildest! 1956

Lake Charles Boogie
Nellie Lutcher
Capitol Records 1947

Lillie Mae
Smiley Lewis
Imperial Records 1952

Come Back Baby
Jack Dupree & His Band
Apollo Records 1949

Dizzy Miss Lizzy
Snooks Eaglin
Jazz Fest: The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival 2019

Going To The River
Fats Domino
Imperial Records 1952

Let the Four Winds Blow
Roy Brown
Imperial Records 1957

I’ll Be Glad When You’re Dead, You Rascal
You Louis Jordan & Louis Armstrong
Decca Records 1950

I Want A Big Butter And Egg Man
Roland Hanna & Carrie Smith
Black And Blue (1989 Original Broadway Cast) 1991

Going Back to New Orleans
Deacon John’s Jump Blues Featuring Dr. John
Music From the Film 2002

New Orleans Blues
Dirty Dozen Brass Band
Jelly 1993

Don’t You Feel My Legs
Blue Lu Barker
Live At The New Orleans Jazz Festival 1989

Iko Iko / Brother John / Saints Go Marching In
Dixie Cups
Jazz Fest: The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival 2019

(sign off)

Tag (You’re It) Little Charlie & The Nightcats Nine Lives 2005



WRFG Route 66 Playlist & Podcast February 8, 2026

WRFG’s Route 66 celebrates a time when blues, jazz, and R&B were on the same
page and, often, in the same song. Our primary focus is on the music of the
Jump Blues Era of the 1940s which blended into the early Rock & Roll Era
of the 1950s, and follow on how those styles and artists have evolved over
the years. We also bring you jazz from the era along with the occasional page
from the Great American Songbook.

Listen to Route 66 Sunday from 7:00 to 9:00 A.M. Eastern (U.S.) on
Atlanta’s WRFG 89.3FM. Your independent community radio station is
streaming worldwide over our free mobile app and WRFG.ORG.

Become a WRFG Route 66 Supporter

Follow us on Facebook @ WRFG Route 66 Jumps

Subscribe to our weekly podcast @ MixCloud.Com
You’ll find the one for this week at the bottom of this post.


Nothing fancy today. It’s Superbowl Sunday, so let’s jump!

WRFG ROUTE 66 PLAYLIST FOR SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2026
Song
Artist
Original Album or Label & Date
C Blues Barney Bigard & His Orchestra RCA Victor 1941
Do You Wanna Jump Children Cab Calloway Vocalion Records 1938
Give It Up Daddy Blues Albennie Jones Decca Records 1947
Open The Door, Richard Count Basie RCA Victor 1947
I’m Ready Van Morrison Somebody Tried to Sell Me a Bridge 2026
Cherry Smash Big Jay McNeely Savoy Records 1949
Walkin’ Joe Liggins & The Honeydrippers Exclusive Records 1947
All the Cats Join in Catherine Russell Inside This Heart of Mine 2010
Bangin’ The Boogie Camille Howard Specialty Records 1951

Somebody Done Stole My Cherry Red
Eddie “Cleanhead” Vinson
King Records 1949

My Blue Heaven Fats Domino Imperial Records 1956
Going To The River Taj Mahal Dancing the Blues 1993
Caravan Ledisi For Dinah 2025
Jeep’s Blues Johnny Hodges With Billy Strayhorn & The Orchestra 1961
That Lucky Old Sun Louis Armstrong Decca Records 1949
Long Skirt Baby Blues T-Bone Walker Black & White Records 1948
Street Lights Little Esther Federal Records 1953
Shake, Rattle & Roll Big Joe Turner Atlantic Records 1954
Every Day I Have the Blues Johnnie Johnson I’m Just Johnny 2025
Blue Monday Blues Jimmy Witherspoon Goin’ To Kansas City Blues 1957
Black Water Blues Dinah Washington Newport Jazz Festival 1958 1958
Bearcat Blues Bull Moose Jackson King Records 1952
Choo Choo Ch’Boogie Louis Jordan & His Tympany Five Decca Records 1946
Drivin’ And Jivin’ Tiny Grimes Quartet Gotham Records 1949
Smooth Sailing Ella Fitzgerald Decca Records 1951
Walking On A Tightrope Johnny Adams Walking on a Tightrope… 1989
One Scotch, One Bourbon, One Beer Amos Milburn Aladdin Records 1953
Good For Nothin’ Man Mickey Champion w/ The Roy Milton Band R.P.M. Records 1950
Lonely & Blue B.B. King R.P.M. Records 1954
What’d I Say Ray Charles What’d I Say 1959

(sign off)

Tag (You’re It) Little Charlie & The Nightcats Nine Lives 2005

WRFG Route 66 Playlist & Podcast January 25, 2026

WRFG’s Route 66 celebrates a time when blues, jazz, and R&B were on the same
page and, often, in the same song. Our primary focus is on the music of the
Jump Blues Era of the 1940s which blended into the early Rock & Roll Era
of the 1950s, and follow on how those styles and artists have evolved over
the years. We also bring you jazz from the era along with the occasional page
from the Great American Songbook.

Listen to Route 66 Sunday from 7:00 to 9:00 A.M. Eastern (U.S.) on
Atlanta’s WRFG 89.3FM. Your independent community radio station is
streaming worldwide over our free mobile app and WRFG.ORG.

Become a WRFG Route 66 Supporter

Follow us on Facebook @ WRFG Route 66 Jumps

Subscribe to our weekly podcast @ MixCloud.Com
You’ll find the one for this week at the bottom of this post.


Today’s a snow day here in Atlanta. T
o warm things up, we countdown of the Top 11 Best Selling R&B Songs
for the week ending January 27, 1951 as reported to Billboard Magazine.

WRFG ROUTE 66 PLAYLIST FOR SUNDAY, JANUARY 25, 2026

Song
Artist
Original Album or Label & Date

Pop Corn Paul Williams & His Hucklebuckers Savoy Records 1948

COUNTDOWN: BILLBOARD’S BEST SELLING R&B SONGS FOR LATE JANUARY, 1951

8-Little Red Rooster
Margie Day w/ The Griffin Brothers
Dot Records 1951

8-Blue Shadows
Lowell Fulson
Swingtime Records 1949

8-Telephone Blues
Floyd Dixon
Aladdin Records ‎1950

8-Lemonade
Louis Jordan & His Tympany Five
Decca Records 1950

7-Rockin’ with Red
Piano Red
RCA Victor 1950

6-Old Time Shuffle Blues
Lloyd Glenn
Swing Time Records 1950

5-Anytime, Any Place, Anywhere
Joe Morris w/ Laurie Tate
Atlantic Records 1950

4-Bad, Bad Whiskey
Amos Milburn & His Aladdin Chickenshackers
Aladdin Records 1950

3-Please Send Me Someone To Love
Percy Mayfield
Specialty Records 1950

1-Teardrops from My Eyes
Ruth Brown
Atlantic Records 1950

Tainted Love Deborah Silver & The Count Basie Orchestra Basie Rocks 2025
It Ain’t Necessarily So Cab Calloway Porgy & Bess (Original Broadway Cast) 1959
3 O’clock Blues B.B. King 1951 R.P.M. Records 1951
Wild Wig Big Jay McNeely Savoy Records 1949
The Wind is Blowin’ Jimmy Witherspoon Modern Records 1952
Going To The River Fats Domino Imperial Records 1952
Little Joe’s Boogie Joe Liggins & His Honeydrippers Specialty Records 1950
Happy Hours Kid Ramos West Coast House Party 2000
Tell Me Who Roomful Of Blues Steppin’ Out 2025
Deed I Do Ray Charles The Genius Of Ray Charles 1959
That’s All Lisa Mann’s Northwestern All-Stars The Great Women In Blues 2025
Strange Things Happen Everyday Sister Rosetta Tharpe Decca Records 1944
Li’l DogBuddy Johnson Decca Records 1947
Work Song Oscar Brown Jr. Sin & Soul …And Then Some 1961
Looped James Harman & Gene Taylor Band Live In Germany 2012
Stormy WeatherTony Bennett w/ Natalie Cole Playing With My Friends… 2001
Messin’ Around Memphis Slim At The Gate Of Horn 1959
Oh Babe Louis Prima & Keely Smith Robin Hood Records 1950
Porter’s Love Song Roy Milton & His Solid Senders Specialty Records 1947
Do Nothing Till You Hear From Me Ella Fitzgerald …Duke Ellington Song Book 1958

(sign off)

Tag (You’re It) Little Charlie & The Nightcats Nine Lives 2005

WRFG Route 66 Playlist & Podcast January 18, 2026

WRFG’s Route 66 celebrates a time when blues, jazz, and R&B were on the same
page and, often, in the same song. Our primary focus is on the music of the
Jump Blues Era of the 1940s which blended into the early Rock & Roll Era
of the 1950s, and follow on how those styles and artists have evolved over
the years. We also bring you jazz from the era along with the occasional page
from the Great American Songbook.

Listen to Route 66 Sunday from 7:00 to 9:00 A.M. Eastern (U.S.) on
Atlanta’s WRFG 89.3FM. Your independent community radio station is
streaming worldwide over our free mobile app and WRFG.ORG.

Become a WRFG Route 66 Supporter

Follow us on Facebook @ WRFG Route 66 Jumps

Subscribe to our weekly podcast @ MixCloud.Com
You’ll find the one for this week at the bottom of this post.


We have two featured artists today.

Jay McShann was born James Columbus McShann in Muskogee, OK on January 12, 1916, and was a jaz pianist, songwriter, singer, and the leader of one of the original Kansas City jump and swing bands. The McShann organization served as a springboard for many of the great jazz and jump blues artists of the 1940s and 1950s including Charlie Parker, Al Hibler, Ben Webster, and Jimmy Witherspoon.

JAY McSHANN RESOURCES
Biography @ wikiepedia.org
Discography @ discogs.com
Discography of American Hisctorcal Recordings
National Endowment for the Arts

Ruth Brown was born Ruth Alston Weston in Portsmouth, Virginia, on January 12, 1928. Brown was a singer, songwriter, and actor who scored 24 Top 10 R&B hits between
1949 and 1960. On Broadway, she starred in productions of “Amen Corner” and “Black
and Blue.” The latter earned her a Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical in 1989.

RUTH BROWN RESOURCES
Biography @ wikipedia.org
Discography @ discogs.com
Ruth Brown – Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
Ruth Brown – The Blues Foundation
Ruth Brown – Rhythm & Blues Foundation

WRFG ROUTE 66 PLAYLIST FOR SUNDAY, JANUARY 18, 2026

Song
Artist
Original Album or Label & Date

Shuffle Woogie Joe Lutcher’s Jump Band Capitol Americana Records 1948

Ain’t Nobody’s Business
Jimmy Witherspoon w/ the Jay McShann Orchestra
Supreme Records 1949

The Thrill Is Gone
The Manhattan Transfer w/ Ruth Brown & B.B. King
The Thrill Is Gone 1994

Hey Little Girl Billy Wright Savoy Records 1951
Is You Is My Baby Veronica Lewis You Ain’t Unlucky 2021

So Long
Ruth Brown & The Eddie Condon’s NBC Television Orchestra
Atlantic Records 1949

Teardrops From My Eyes
Louis Jordan & His Tympany Five
Decca Records 1951

Jumpin’ the Blues
Jay McShann w/ Charlie Parker
Decca Records 1942

King Size Papa
Julia Lee & Her Boy Friends w/ Jay McShann
Capitol Records 1948

Hot Biscuits
Jay McShann
Downbeat Records 1949

Don’t Explain Southside Johnny Detour Ahead the Music of Billie Holiday 2018
Jones Law Blues Planet D Nonet Kings Of Kansas City Swing… 2019

Old Kidney Stew Is Fine
Eddie “Cleanhead” Vinson w/ T-Bone Walker & Jay McShann
Kidney Stew Is Fine 1969

Mambo Baby
Ruth Brown
Atlantic Records 1954

Hands Off
Jay McShann w/ Priscilla Bowman
Vee Jay Records 1955

Back Water Blues
Jay McShann w/ Maria Muldaur & Duke Robillard
Still Jumpin’ The Blues 1999

I Can’t Get Started
Slim Gaillard w/ Buddy Tate & Jay McShann
Anytime, Anyplace, Anywhere 1983

I’ve Got A Feelin’ Roomful Of Blues Steppin’ Out 2025
Pool Playing Blues Amos Milburn Aladdin Records 1947

This Little Girl’s Gone Rockin’
Ruth Brown w/ Mickey Baker & King Curtis
Atlantic Records 1958

McShann’s Bounce Part 1
Jay McShann
Supreme Records 1947

Bye, Bye Blackbird
Thad Jones, Mel Lewis, & Ruth Brown
The Big Band Sound of Thad Jones, Mel Lewis, Featuring Miss Ruth Brown 1968

Evenin’ Tony Bennett w/ Ray Charles Playing With My Friends… 2001
Playful Baby Wynonie “Blues” Harris Apollo Records 1946

No Name Boogie Boogie
Jay McShann as “Woogie Jackson”
Down Beat Records 1948

He May Be Your Man
Helen Humes w/ Jay McShann & Clarence “Gatemouth” Brown
Let The Good Times Roll 1973

If I Can’t Sell It (I’ll Keep Sittin’ On It)
Ruth Brown
Blues On Broadway 1989

(sign off)

Tag (You’re It) Little Charlie & The Nightcats Nine Lives 2005

WRFG Route 66 Playlist & Podcast January 11, 2026

WRFG’s Route 66 celebrates a time when blues, jazz, and R&B were on the same
page and, often, in the same song. Our primary focus is on the music of the
Jump Blues Era of the 1940s which blended into the early Rock & Roll Era
of the 1950s, and follow on how those styles and artists have evolved over
the years. We also bring you jazz from the era along with the occasional page
from the Great American Songbook.

Listen to Route 66 Sunday from 7:00 to 9:00 A.M. Eastern (U.S.) on
Atlanta’s WRFG 89.3FM. Your independent community radio station is
streaming worldwide over our free mobile app and WRFG.ORG.

Become a WRFG Route 66 Supporter

Follow us on Facebook @ WRFG Route 66 Jumps

Subscribe to our weekly podcast @ MixCloud.Com
You’ll find the one for this week at the bottom of this post.


Today, we celebrate the 110th anniversary of the birth of jump blues legend
Buddy Johnson. Born Woodrow Wilson Johnson in Darlington, South Carolina,
on January 10, 1915. Johnson took piano lessons as a child and developed a passion
for classical music. He moved to New York City in 1938 and toured Europe with the
Cotton Club Revue until being expelled from Nazi Germany.

Johnson returned to New York and signed a contract with Decca Records.
Johnson’s sister Ella signed on as a vocalist and they formed a nine-piece band.
Johnson scored numerous R&B hits in the 1940s and 1950s and either wrote or
was the first artist to record many pop and jazz standards including
“If I Fell for You” and “Baby, Don’t You Cry.”

BUDDY JOHNSON RESOURCES
Biorgraphy @ wikipedia.org
Discography @ discogs.com
Discography of American Historical Recordings

WRFG ROUTE 66 PLAYLIST FOR SUNDAY, JANUARY 11, 2025

Song
Artist
Original Album or Label & Date

Groovin’ With Grimes Tiny Grimes Savoy Records 1944

Please Mr. Johnson
Buddy Johnson w/ Ella Johnson
Decca Records 1940

One of Them Good Ones
Buddy Johnson & His Orchestra
Decca Records 1945

Save Your Love For Me
Bobby “Blue” Bland
Duke Records 1968

Don’t Worry ’bout That Mule Louis Jordan & His Tympany Five Decca Records 1945
I Want to Hug You John Lee Hooker Mr. Lucky 1991
Pretty Baby Margie Day w/ The Griffin Brothers Dot Records 1951
The Chase (part 1) Dexter Gordon & Wardell Gray Dial Records 1947
When the Lights Go Out Jimmy Witherspoon Checker Records 1954

It’s Obdacious
Jonny Lang & The Big Bang
Jonny Lang 1995

I’ll Get Along Somehow – Parts 1
Ruth Brown w/ The Buddy Johnson Orchestra
Atlantic Records 1949

Breaking My HeartJoe Liggins & His Honeydrippers Exclusive Records 1946
Shake Rattle And Roll Doug James & Sax Gordon Swing Jump Jive 2006
Baby, I Love Your WayDeborah Silver & The Count Basie Orchestra Basie Rocks 2025
It’s Later Than You Think Roy Milton & His Solid Senders Specialty Records 1951
The Hip Cowboy Slim Gaillard Mercury Records 1951

Since I Fell for You
Van Morrison
It’s Too Late to Stop Now…Volume IV 1973

Fine Brown Frame
Nellie Lutcher
Capitol Records 1948

That’s The Stuff You Gotta Watch
Buddy & Ella Johnson
Decca Records 1944

I Don’t Care Who Knows (Baby, I’m Yours)
Roberta Flack
Roberta 2015

Mambo With Moody James Moody & His Band Prestige Records 1954
Moody’s Mood For Love King Pleasure Specialty Records 1952
Stagger Lee Johnnie Johnson I’m Just Johnny 2025

I Still Love You
Annie Laurie w/ Paul Gayten’s Band
De Luxe Records 1947

Hittin’ on Me
Etta Jones & Houston Peterson
…Sings the Songs of Buddy Johnson 1997

I’m Tired of Crying Over You
Buddy Johnson & His Orchestra w/ Ella Johnson
Decca Records 1947

Blues NocturneJohnny Otis w/ Big Jay McNeely Savoy Records 1950
Real Pretty Mama Amos Milburn Aladdin Records 1949
Corrina Candice Ivory New Southern Vintage 2025
What’d I Say Ray Charles What’d I Say 1959
(sign off)
Tag (You’re It)Little Charlie & The Nightcats Nine Lives 2005

WRFG Route 66 Playlist & Podcast January 4, 2026

WRFG’s Route 66 celebrates a time when blues, jazz, and R&B were on the same
page and, often, in the same song. Our primary focus is on the music of the
Jump Blues Era of the 1940s which blended into the early Rock & Roll Era
of the 1950s, and follow on how those styles and artists have evolved over
the years. We also bring you jazz from the era along with the occasional page
from the Great American Songbook.

Listen to Route 66 Sunday from 7:00 to 9:00 A.M. Eastern (U.S.) on
Atlanta’s WRFG 89.3FM. Your independent community radio station is
streaming worldwide over our free mobile app and WRFG.ORG.

Become a WRFG Route 66 Supporter

Follow us on Facebook @ WRFG Route 66 Jumps

Subscribe to our weekly podcast @ MixCloud.Com
You’ll find the one for this week at the bottom of this post.


For our first show of 2026, we countdown the top R&B songs in
Los Angeles for this week in 1951.

WRFG ROUTE 66 PLAYLIST FOR SUNDAY, JANUARY 4, 2026

Song
Artist
Original Album or Label & Date

Red Boy At The Mardi Gras Todd Rhodes Sensation Records 1949

COUNTDOWN: TOP 10 R&B SONGS ON CENTRAL AVENUE, LOS ANGELES
JANUARY 1951
Cash Box Magazine

10-The Sun Went Down
T-Bone Walker
Imperial Records 1950

9-Rockin’ Blues
Mel Walker w/ The Johnny Otis Orchestra
Savoy Records 1951

8-Back Breaking Blues
Big Joe Turner
Aladdin Records 1950

7-Old Time Shuffle Blues
Lloyd Glenn w/ The Fulson Unit (Lowell Fulson)
Swing Time Records 1950

6-Telephone Blues
Floyd Dixon & Johnny Moore’s Three Blazers w/ Oscar Moore
Aladdin Records ‎ 1950

5-Every Night About This Time
Fats Domino
Imperial Records 1950

4-Please Send Me Someone To Love
Percy Mayfield
Specialty Records 1950

3-Bad, Bad Whiskey
Amos Milburn & His Aladdin Chickenshackers
Aladdin Records 1950

2-Teardrops from My Eyes
Ruth Brown
Atlantic Records 1950

1-Once There Lived A Fool
Jimmy Grissom
Recorded in Hollywood Records 1951

Every Breath You Take Deborah Silver & Count Basie Orchestra Basie Rocks 2025
Birth of the Blues Ray Charles w/ Count Basie Genius + Soul = Jazz 1961
That Lucky Old Sun Louis Armstrong Decca Records 1949
Those Things Money Can’t Buy The King Cole Trio Capitol Records 1947
I Don’t Want Your Money Honey Frantic Fay Thomas Exclusive Records 194
She Winked Her Eye Clarence “Gatemouth” Brown Peacock Records 1951
Ain’t Nobody Here But Us Chickens Lamont Cranston Band (self-titled) 1976
Hastings Street Bounce Paul Williams Sextette Savoy Records 1947
Boogie’s The Thing Roomful Of Blues Steppin’ Out 2025
Riding High Roy Brown De Luxe Records 1949
TV Is The Thing This Year Dianne Reeves Good Night & Good Luck 2005
Blind Love B.B. King R.P.M. Records 1953
Take The “A” Train Ella Fitzgerald …Sings The Duke Ellington Songbook 195
Queen Bee Blues Eddie “Cleanhead” Vinson King Records 1950
Time Out For Tears Dinah Washington Mercury Records 1950
Happy Blues Lynwood Slim & Junior Watson Back to Back 2010
It’s Nothing Charles Brown Aladdin Records 1949
Caldonia Boogie Louis Jordan & His Tympany Five Decca Records 1945
Marijuana Julia Lee & Her Boy Friends Premier Records 1945
You’ve Got What It Takes Ledisi w/Gregory Porter For Dinah 2025

(sign off)

Tag (You’re It) Little Charlie & The Nightcats Nine Lives 2005

WRFG Route 66 Playlist & Podcast December 28, 2025

WRFG’s Route 66 celebrates a time when blues, jazz, and R&B were on the same
page and, often, in the same song. Our primary focus is on the music of the
Jump Blues Era of the 1940s which blended into the early Rock & Roll Era
of the 1950s, and follow on how those styles and artists have evolved over
the years. We also bring you jazz from the era along with the occasional page
from the Great American Songbook.

Listen to Route 66 Sunday from 7:00 to 9:00 A.M. Eastern (U.S.) on
Atlanta’s WRFG 89.3FM. Your independent community radio station is
streaming worldwide over our free mobile app and WRFG.ORG.

Become a WRFG Route 66 Supporter

Follow us on Facebook @ WRFG Route 66 Jumps

Subscribe to our weekly podcast @ MixCloud.Com
You’ll find the one for this week at the bottom of this post.


Today’s show is the last Route 66 for 2025. And we close our the year
with a dual tribute to Johnny Otis and Esther Phillips.

Band leader, producer, songwriter, TV host, Congressional aide, political
candidate, preacher, and restauranteur Johnny Otis, who was born in
Vallejo, California, on December 28, 1921.
JOHNNY OTIS RESOURCES
Biorgraphy @ wikipedia.org
Discography @ discogs.com
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame

Jazz, blues, and R&B vocalist Esther Phillips (aka Little Esther) was born
Esther Mae Washington in Galveston, Texas, on December 23, 1935.
Phillips was discovered by Otis when she sang in a talent show in the
late 1940s and scored a series of hits with him in 1950 & 1951.
ESTHER PHILLIPS RESOURCES
Biography @ wikipedia.org
Discography @ discogs.com
Blues Foundation

WRFG ROUTE 66 PLAYLIST FOR SUNDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2025
Song
Artist
Original Album or Label & Date

Barrelhouse Stomp
The Johnny Otis Orchestra w/ Big Jay McNeely
Excelsior Records 1947

Double Crossing Blues
The Johnny Otis Quintette w/ The Robins & Little Esther
Savoy Records 1950

That’s Your Last Boogie
Joe Swift w/ Johnny Otis & His Orchestra
Exclusive Records 1948

I’ve Got A Feelin’ Roomful Of Blues Steppin’ Out 2025
Lonesome Woman Blues T-Bone Walker Comet Records 1948
T-Bone Shuffle Roy Gaines I Got The T-Bone Walker Blues 1998
When I Grow Too Old To Dream Roy Milton & His Solid Senders Miltone Records 1946
Billie’s Blues Janiva Magness My Bad Luck Soul 1999
Sure Had A Wonderful Time Last Night B.B. King Let The Good Times Roll… 1999

Mambo Boogie
Johnny Otis w/ Mel Walker
Savoy Records 1951

Cock-A-Doodle-Doo
Wynonie “Mr. Blues” Harris & the Johnny Otis All Stars
Philo Records 1945

Mistrusting Blues
Johnny Otis Orchestra w/ Little Esther & Mel Walker
Savoy Records 1950

A Slick Chick (On The Mellow Side) Dinah Washington Mercury Records 1946
The Wildest Gal in Town Billy Eckstine MGM Records 1947
Blues In B Flat Oscar Moore Trio Oscar Moore Trio 1954
Route 66 King Cole Trio Capitol Records 1946
Orange Colored Sky Natalie Cole Unforgettable: With Love 1991
I Want A Roof Over My Head Van Morrison Accentuate The Positive 2023

Cupid’s Boogie
Little Esther & Mel Walker w/ The Johnny Otis Orchestra
Savoy Records 1950

Every Beat Of My Heart
The Royals
Federal Records 1952

Pledging My Love
Johnny Ace & The Johnny Otis Orchestra
Duke Records

Bags Groove Milt Jackson Quartet Wizard of the Vibes 1952
The Comeback Joe Williams Nothin’ But the Blues 1984
You Go To My Head Ledisi For Dinah 2025
Stagger Lee Johnnie Johnson I’m Just Johnny 2025
You Can’t Get That No More Louis Jordan & His Tympani Five Decca Records 1945

Turn the Lamps Down Low
Little Esther & Little Willie Littlefield
Federal Records 1953

Directly From My Heart
Little Richard & the Johnny Otis Band
Peacock Records 1956

Rock-A-Bye Basie
Johnny Otis & His Orchestra
Spirit of the Black Territory Bands 1992

See See Rider Ray Charles Trio Swing Time Records 1949
Honky Tonk King Records 1956
Paint It Black Deborah Silver & The Count Basie Orchestra Basie Rocks 2025

(sign off)

Tag (You’re It) Little Charlie & The Nightcats Nine Lives 2005

WRFG Route 66 Playlist & Podcast December 21, 2025

WRFG’s Route 66 celebrates a time when blues, jazz, and R&B were on the same
page and, often, in the same song. Our primary focus is on the music of the
Jump Blues Era of the 1940s which blended into the early Rock & Roll & R&B Era
of the 1950s, and follow on how those styles and artists have evolved over
the years. We also bring you jazz from the era along with the occasional page
from the Great American Songbook.

Listen to Route 66 Sunday from 7:00 to 9:00 A.M. Eastern (U.S.) on
Atlanta’s WRFG 89.3FM. Your independent community radio station is
streaming worldwide over our free mobile app and WRFG.ORG.

Become a WRFG Route 66 Supporter

Follow us on Facebook @ WRFG Route 66 Jumps

Subscribe to our weekly podcast @ MixCloud.Com
You’ll find the one for this week at the bottom of this post.


December 25, 2025, isn’t just Christmas, it’s the 118th anniversary
of the birth of Cab Calloway.

This is our annual Christmas and Calloway show.

If you missed the live broadcast or would like to hear the show again,
check out the podcast below the playlist at the bottom of the page.

CAB CALLOWAY RESOURCES
Biography @ wikipedia,org
Discography @ discogs.com
Cab Calloway’s Hepster’s Dictionary

WRFG ROUTE 66 FOR SUNDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2025
Song
Artist
Original Album or Label & Date

Basie’s Jingle Bells The Count Basie Orchestra A Very Swingin’ Basie Christmas! 2015

Minnie The Moocher
Cab Calloway & His Orchestra
Brunswick Records 1931

Dig That Crazy Santa Claus Oscar McLollie Modern Records 1955
Christmas BoogieFrankie “Sugar Chile” Robinson Capitol Records 1950
The Christmas Song Carmen McRae Sings Loverman… 1962
O Christmas Tree Oscar Peterson An Oscar Peterson Christmas 2002
May Every Day Be Christmas Louis Jordan & His Orchestra Decca Records 1951
Blue Christmas Fats Domino Christmas Gumbo 1993

The Hi-De-Ho Man
Cab Calloway
Columbia Records 1947

Reefer Man
Big Bad Voodoo Daddy
How Big Can You Get?: The Music Of Cab Calloway 2009

Joy to the World! Mahalia Jackson Silent Night 1950
White Christmas Charlie Parker Savoy Records 1948
I’ll Be Home For Christmas Etta Jones Christmas with Etta Jones 2009
Christmas Time Blues Roy Milton & His Solid Senders Specialty Records 1950
What A Wonderful World Louis Armstrong ABC Records 1967
It Came Upon A Midnight Clear Ella Fitzgerald Ella Fitzgerald’s Christmas 1967

Do You Wanna Jump Children
Cab Calloway w/ Chu Berry
Vocalion Records 1938

Far Away Blues (Christmas Blues) Johnny Otis Savoy Records 1950
Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Joe Williams That Holiday Feelin’ 1990
Santa Claus Is Coming to Town Etta James 12 Songs of Christmas 1998
Sugar Rum Cherry Duke Ellington The Nutcracker Suite 1960
Smile Nat King Cole Capitol Records 1954
Boogie Woogie Santa Claus Mabel Scott Exclusive Records 1948
Rudolph The Red Nosed ReindeerRay Charles The Spirit Of Christmas 1985

Harlem Holiday
Cab Calloway & His Orchestra
Brunswick Records 1932

I’ve Got My Love to Keep Me Warm Billie Holiday Vocalion Records 1938
Merry Christmas, Baby Charles Brown w/ Johnny Moore Exclusive Records 1948
Silent Night Little Jimmy Scott Christmas

(sign off)

Tag (You’re It) Little Charlie & The Nightcats Nine Lives 2005