Juke In The Back #073
Series: Juke In The Back With Matt The Cat
From: Matt The Cat
Length: 00:59:02
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The Ravens
The "Juke In The Back" features The Ravens, an R&B vocal group that set the stage for all the groups that would follow. With Jimmy Ricks' bass lead and some tremendous harmony behind him, The Ravens were the predecessors to the doo wop music that would follow in the 1950s. They formed in New York City in 1945 and quickly built a solid following, even before they had hits on the radio. Their "Ol' Man River," and "Write Me A Letter" were instant smashes in 1948, but it was their non-charting "Count Every Star" that proved to be the most influential. Music historian Billy Vera stops by the "Juke" to discuss the impact of "Count Every Star" while Matt The Cat examines the overall influence of this wonderful group. The Ravens along with The Orioles moved vocal group singing from its gospel and Ink Spots / Mills Brothers roots into the next phase...rock n' roll. The Ravens story and star shine bright on this week's "Juke In The Back."
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Piece Description
The Ravens
The "Juke In The Back" features The Ravens, an R&B vocal group that set the stage for all the groups that would follow. With Jimmy Ricks' bass lead and some tremendous harmony behind him, The Ravens were the predecessors to the doo wop music that would follow in the 1950s. They formed in New York City in 1945 and quickly built a solid following, even before they had hits on the radio. Their "Ol' Man River," and "Write Me A Letter" were instant smashes in 1948, but it was their non-charting "Count Every Star" that proved to be the most influential. Music historian Billy Vera stops by the "Juke" to discuss the impact of "Count Every Star" while Matt The Cat examines the overall influence of this wonderful group. The Ravens along with The Orioles moved vocal group singing from its gospel and Ink Spots / Mills Brothers roots into the next phase...rock n' roll. The Ravens story and star shine bright on this week's "Juke In The Back."
Broadcast History
"Juke In The Back" airs on over 20 radio stations each week in the US and is now carried worldwide over Voice Of America's Music Mix Network.
Transcript
The Juke In The Back
#073
1. Swanee River Boogie – Albert Ammons – Mercury 1947
2. I Dreamt I Dwelt In Harlem – Delta Rhythm Boys – Decca 1941
3. Bye Bye Baby Blues – The Ravens – Hub 1946
4. Ol’ Man River – The Ravens – National 1947
5. Mahzel – The Ravens – National 1947
6. Write Me A Letter – The Ravens – National 1947
7. Be I Bumble Bee Or Not – The Ravens – National 1947
8. There’s No You – The Ravens – National 1948
9. September Song – The Ravens – National 1948
10. Be On Your Merry Way – The Ravens – National 1948
11. Ricky’s Blues – The Ravens – National 1949
12. GREAT 78 - The House I Live In (That’s America To Me) – The Ravens – National 1949
13. Send For Me If You Need Me – The Ravens – National 1948
14. I Don’t Have To Ride No More – The Ravens – National 1949
15. Count Every Star – The Ravens – National 1950
16. Rock Me All Night Long – The Ravens – Mercury 195...
Read the full transcript
Intro and Outro
INTRO:The "Juke In The Back" features an R&B vocal group that set the stage for all that would follow, The Ravens. Their sound will always be associated with the amazing bass lead vocals of the great Jimmy Ricks.
OUTRO:For more information on this week's show, please stop by www.jukeintheback.org.
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