"Oooh! I wish I had read
Easy Bill's Top 10 before
buying this awful album!"

Don't Let This Happen To You!

Here are some of my favorite CDs, which are available pretty much anywhere.
I've listed some great compilations, which are a good way to get introduced
to a number of different artists at once. Of course there are many artists, time
periods, genres, etc. missing from this list, but remember, these are some
of my favorites. I wouldn't even call all of them "essential" by any stretch, but
I do like listening to 'em, dancing to em', and singing along with 'em in my car.
Hopefully you have your Top 10, too.

 

Easy Bill's Top 10 R&B CDs
(in no particular order)


Jiving Jamboree

Jiving Jamboree (Ace) - There are three volumes so far in this great series, but this one is my favorite. Lots of great songs to dance to!

  

 

Blues Masters Vol. 5: Jump Blues Classics (Rhino) - Another great series, and this is a perfect introduction to Jump Blues and R&B. One of the first R&B CDs I ever owned, and I still listen to it all the time. "More Jump Blues" is the title of the second volume, also recommeneded.
Jump Blues classics
Risque Rhythm

Risque Rhythm: Nasty 50's R&B (Rhino) - An excellent compilation of the risque R&B that we love so much. Prime cuts from some great artists, all delivered with a wink and a nudge.

The Okeh Rhythm & Blues Story 1949-1957 (Sony) - This fantastic box set really gives you lots of bang for your buck. Some classic artists, and many obscure ones, all of them fun to listen and dance to.
Okeh R&B Box
Bloodshot Eyes

Bloodshot Eyes: The Best of Wynonie Harris (Rhino) - The king of risque R&B, and this disc has many of the classics that he cut for the King label. With titles like "Keep On Churnin'" and "I Like My Baby's Pudding" you just can't go wrong.

  
 

Little Richard: The Gerogia Peach (Specialty) - "The Essenntial Little Richard" is also good, but go for this one, because many of the songs are the same, and this one has liner notes. Classic cuts from one of the original Rock n' Rollers.
The Georgia Peach
 
Rockin' n' Rollin'

The Buddy Johnson Orchestra: Rockin' n' Rollin' (Collectables) - Yes, it might be an odd choice for a top ten, but I really enjoy this album start to finish. Great songs, and Ella Johnson's voice is fantastic.

  
 
 
Rockin' In Rhythm: The Best of Ruth Brown (Rhino) - In case you're wondering, yes, I sing along to this one, too. Miss Rhythm's classic R&B sides from the 50's.
Best of Ruth Brown
 
Best of Johnny Guitar Watson

Blues Masters: The Very Best of Johnny "Guitar" Watson (Rhino) - There are a couple of "Best of's" on the shelf, but go for this one because it's got "Space Guitar" on it. Once you hear it you'll never be the same. As a bonus you get liner notes written by Jimmie Vaughan.

  
 
 
Sam Cooke w/ The Soul Stirrers (Specialty) - The majority of this album is gospel, not R&B, but who cares? Sam's voice sounds so good he never fails to put me in a good mood. There are five "pop" cuts at the end, which are basically rewritten gospel tunes. His best stuff, I think.
Sam Cooke w/ The Soul Stirrers

 

Well, that's it. I'll add more soon, or make a part two. So many have been left off, I know. I'm going to listen to Ray Charles right now, because I feel bad that he was number 11. I hope you enjoyed the list, and that you'll keep on diggin' Rhythm & Blues!

Take it Easy,
Bill