Classic R&B Returns To Radio

My new radio program, “Juke In The Back” aired for the first time on radio.  It will now air Sunday evenings at 7pm Central Time on KZGM 88.1 FM in Cabool, MO.  You can listen online at www.mykz88.com.  I am very excited to be able to bring this great 1950s R&B music back to the airwaves.  Wynonie Harris, Ruth Brown, Ray Charles, Joe Liggins, Roy Brown, Lavern Baker and coutless others will once again be in the spotlight and I’m so proud to be the guy putting it all together.

Also, “Juke In The Back”‘s new website www.jukeintheback.org launched tonight.  This site provides lots of information for listeners of the show as well as radio stations who might be interested in picking the show up to air.  The show is available to all public and commercial radio stations.

Thanks for all your support.  It’s because you wanted it, that “Juke In The Back” is on its way to what sure to be a long run.

I can’t thank you enough.

Soulfully,

Matt The Cat

Friday Night Cat Fight Radio Show

“Fever”

Little Willie John first recorded “Fever”, a song written by Eddie Cooley and Otis Blackwell (as John Davenport) in 1956 for King. It was a #1 smash on the R&B charts and it even crossed over to #24 on the elusive pop charts. The tune was so popular that it led to many immediate covers. In 1957, both Ray Peterson and Earl Grant took a crack at it. Then in 1958, Peggy Lee put her unique, seductive stamp on it and it rose to #8 on the pop charts and an incredible #5 on the R&B lists. In 1960, Elvis featured “Fever” on “Elvis Is Back,” his first LP after being discharged from the Army. Alvin Robinson bubbled under the Hot 100 in 1964 with a great retelling of the song and the McCoys followed up their “Sloopy” success with a top ten version of “Fever” in 1965. Now, listen to them all and decide which one you truly DIG THE MOST!

Also on this week’s program, we feature some birthday tributes to Bobby Darin, Troy Shondell and Charlie Gracie.

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Friday Night Cat Fight Radio Show

History Of

“See See Rider Blues”

This week, I trace the history of another blues and rock n’ roll standard, “See See Rider.” It’s one of those songs that just feels like it’s been around forever, but like every great tune, there’s a story to tell. Ma Rainey first dropped this on shellac in 1924 with the help of Louis Armstrong’s band. It became a sensation in 1925 and that lead to many different covers of the tune. I’m presenting a brilliant version by Bea Booze (1943), a doo wop version by The Orioles (1952), the first rock n’ roll version by Chuck Willis (1957), LaVern Bakers retelling of the tale (1962) and the Animals’ “take no prisoners” take from 1966. Listen to all six versions in their entirety before making your decision and voting for your favorite. I will also have a collage that features versions by Leadbelly, Mississippi John Hurt and Elvis Presley.

Also on this week’s show, we bet on the horse races, hear a killer record from The Calvanes AND pay special birthday tributes to Johnny Maestro and Ricky Nelson.

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-MTC