Description
Big John Greer Rocks is an explosive deep-dive into the roaring postwar world of rhythm and blues--an era when wailing tenor saxophones, pounding backbeats, and raw, unfiltered energy laid the groundwork for what would soon ignite as Rock & Roll. Few artists captured that spirit more completely than Big John Greer, a powerhouse saxophonist and blues shouter whose commanding voice and swagger made him one of the defining figures of New York's vibrant R&B scene in the late 1940s and early 1950s.
Born in Hot Springs, Arkansas, and famously billed as '240 Pounds of Solid Jive' before he even graduated high school, Greer honed his chops in the legendary orchestra of Lucky Millinder--one of the most disciplined and forward-thinking big bands of its day. After a brief stint as vocalist with Millinder's ensemble, Greer struck out on his own, debuting in 1948 with the slyly humorous 'Wineola' for Bobby Shad's Sittin' In With label.
By 1949, Big John Greer & The Rhythm Rockers had become a cornerstone of RCA Victor's R&B lineup, unleashing a series of blistering singles that packed dancefloors across America. This collection captures that electric run in all its glory, spotlighting classics like 'Rocking Jenny Jones,' 'Red Juice,' 'Big Rock,' 'Clambake Boogie,' and the rollicking autobiographical anthem 'I'm The Fat Man.' Greer's smooth yet gritty 'Got You On My Mind,' a timeless ballad that nearly topped the R&B charts in 1952, showcases his unexpected melodic touch amid the mayhem.
When RCA launched its Groove subsidiary in 1954, Greer adapted effortlessly to the changing times, cutting fierce sides like the retooled prewar stomper 'Bottle It Up And Go' and the driving 'Come Back Maybelline,' his answer to Chuck Berry's breakout hit. These later sessions feature the unmistakable guitar work of Mickey Baker--an in-demand studio ace who would later achieve stardom as half of Mickey & Sylvia with the R&B chart-topper 'Love Is Strange.' Greer's bands also boasted tenor titans Sam 'The Man' Taylor and Big Al Sears, whose horn battles ignite several of these scorching tracks.
Big John Greer Rocks isn't just a collection--it's a full-blown time capsule from the golden age of R&B, a testament to the artists who bridged the worlds of jump blues and early rock. For fans of Louis Jordan, Wynonie Harris, and early Ray Charles, this set delivers the grit, groove, and grandeur of rhythm and blues at its most electrifying.
Track Listing
- I’m The Fat Man
- Rockin‘ With Big John
- Come Back Maybelline
- Lucky Lucky Me
- Record Hop
- I’ll Never Let You Go
- Strong Red Whiskey
- Drinkin‘ Wine Spo-Dee-O-Dee
- Bottle It Up And Go
- Wineola
- The Duck Walk
- You Played On My Piano (with Delores Brown)
- Have Another Drink And Talk To Me
- Midnight Ramble
- Woman (Is A Five Letter Word)
- Ride Pretty Baby
- Long Tall Gal
- Clambake Boogie
- Honey Why
- Blam
- Soon, Soon, Soon
- If I Told You Once
- Red Juice
- Big John’s A Blowin‘
- I Want Ya‘, I Need Ya‘
- Too Long
- Night Crawlin‘
- Rocking Jenny Jones
- Come Back Uncle John
- Got You On My Mind
Additional Details
Label: Bear Family Records
Genre: Pop/Rock
Language: English
Run Time: 78:00 mins
Region: 0
Release Date: 04/03/26
UPC: 4000127177438