Episode 18: Backbeat '50

Episode 18: Backbeat '50

From Deeper Roots Radio by Deeper Roots

May 2, 2026 · 1h 59m · Season 2026 · Episode 18

About this episode

This episode explores the raw and energetic rhythm and blues music of 1950, highlighting influential artists and the genre's evolution leading to rock 'n roll.

It’s a 1950 heatwave of rhythm and blues sounds this morning on Deeper Roots. We’ll move away from anything that might be polite or polished and turn our attention to the sweat-soaked, neon-lit world of rhythm and blues, a sound that was the early morning thunder and lightning just ahead of the dawn of rock ‘n roll. We’re focusing on the year 1950 where jump blues started to grow teeth --- where the saxophones were honking, the backbeats hitting harder, and indie labels from Memphis to LA were capturing lightning in a bottle. From the smoky corners of the Delta to the high voltage clubs of the North, we’re digging deep into the crates for the some pounding rhythms from Dave Bartholomew, Julia Lee, Bull Moose Jackson, Jimmy McCracklin as well as Buddy and Ella Johnson…oh, and some Tiny Bradshaw’s Breaking Up The House. As Chuck Berry pointed out: “…it's got a backbeat, you can't lose it, any old time you use it”.

People in this episode

Host: Deeper Roots

Topics covered

  • rhythm and blues
  • music history
  • 1950s music
  • jump blues
  • indie labels
  • rock 'n roll origins

Keywords

  • rhythm and blues
  • 1950
  • jump blues
  • music history
  • Chuck Berry
  • indie labels
  • Delta
  • Memphis
  • LA

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: Breaking Up The House

Places: Memphis, LA, Delta, North

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