In early 1927 Victor Records were in Memphis looking for artists to record. They recorded four songs by the Memphis Jug Band; it was the start of long, on and off, recording career for the band, led by guitarist and harmonica player Will ‘Son’ Shade. They had formed in the mid 1920’s and have the honour of being the first artists ever to record commercially in the state of Tennessee; a notable achievement considering what followed in both Memphis and Nashville.
More sessions followed in 1927, including one in June when 10 year old Walter Horton played harmonica – he would go onto become a consummate post war harmonica player, helping to define the Chicago harp sound. At other sessions the band worked with women singers, including both Hattie Hart and Memphis Minnie.
Their sound was indefinable as it included a little of everything from blues, to jazz, novelty songs, ragtime and folk tunes. During their 7-year recording career they recorded in excess of 75 sides and their music is arguably the first footings of rock ‘n’ roll – genuine ensemble playing that was made to dance to, listen to and engender a good time feeling. The songs they sang were 35 years or more ahead of the sex and drugs revolution of the 60’s and besides Cocaine Habit Blues there were frequent references to sex.
The band’s shifting line-up helped them to remain in fashion when other artists had become outmoded. After they stopped recording in 1934 they continued to perform in Memphis well into the 1940s, even recording again in 1956.
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