It's time again for Three Tune Tuesday, that day of the week where members of the Hive community shares three songs of their liking with the rest of the community.
I know, I post Three Tune Tuesday on Wednesday. It's done by design! I run a Three Tune Tuesday livestream on Tuesday, then post the songs the next day. Want to be the first to hear them? Tune in live!
12:00pm (noon) EDT
17:00 UTC
https://blindskeleton.one/radio/
I take a slow, relaxing approach to Three Tune Tuesday: I like to share pre-1924 78rpm songs from my collection, and record them while playing on an appropriate time-period windup phonograph. I encourage you to take a few moments and slow down with me. Settle down, close your eyes, and take yourself back.. way back.. in time, to a distant uncle's parlour in the early 1920's. There are comfortable seats, pleasant conversation, and old music.
Before I get in to the goods today, a quick apology: I have been busy of late with my mom visiting, and today is the first day in about a week I've had to get online. Alas, I won't be able to get to comments on the mass of #ttt posts this week. Apologies.
Now, on to some music.
Clara Smith (1894-1935) was an influential African American blues singer who was active during the early decades of the 20th century. She was born on February 14, 1894, in Spartanburg, South Carolina, and grew up in nearby Greenville. Clara Smith’s birth name was Clara Ann Fowler, but she took the last name “Smith” after her stepfather.
Smith began her singing career in the early 1910s and quickly gained recognition for her powerful voice and emotional performances. She was known for her ability to convey a wide range of emotions, from heartbreak and sorrow to sass and defiance, through her expressive singing style. Her vocal range and delivery made her one of the most respected and successful blues singers of her time.
Smith’s songs often touched on themes such as love, heartbreak, infidelity, and the struggles of African Americans during that era. Her performances showcased her ability to captivate audiences and connect with listeners on an emotional level.
Tragically, Clara Smith’s career was cut short when she suffered a stroke in 1935. She passed away on February 2, 1935, at the age of 40.
“Nobody Knows the Way I Feel Dis Mornin’” is a blues song that has been performed by various artists over the years. It was written by Tom Delaney and was first recorded in 1923 by the influential blues singer Mamie Smith. The song has since been covered by numerous artists, including Bessie Smith, Alberta Hunter, and of course, Clara Smith.
The song’s lyrics express feelings of sadness, loneliness, and despair, reflecting the struggles and hardships of life. It’s a poignant expression of emotional turmoil and the desire for understanding and empathy from others.
“Dicty Blues” is a jazz song composed by Fletcher Henderson and recorded by his orchestra in 1923. It was one of the first jazz recordings to feature the saxophone, which was played by Coleman Hawkins. It is a blues foxtrot, and the lyrics are about the “dicty” or uptown crowd in Harlem. The lyrics are about the fashionable and sophisticated young people of the 1920s, which known as “dictys.”
Coleman Hawkins (1904-1969) was an American jazz saxophonist and composer who is widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in the history of jazz. He played a significant role in shaping the development of the tenor saxophone as a lead instrument and was known for his innovative playing style and melodic improvisations.
Born on November 21, 1904, in St. Joseph, Missouri, Coleman Hawkins showed a passion for music from a young age. He began his career playing in local bands before moving to New York City in the mid-1920s, where he became immersed in the vibrant jazz scene of Harlem. This would have made him a mere 19 years old when playing for Fletcher Henderson on this recording of Dicty Blues.
The term “dicty” was used in the early 20th century to refer to people who were fashionable and sophisticated. In the context of Harlem, it was used to describe the African American elite who were trying to assimilate into white society. The song “Dicty Blues” is a satirical look at this group of people, and it pokes fun at their pretensions.
“Sinful Blues” is a renowned blues song written by Perry Bradford, a notable African American songwriter and music publisher during the early 20th century. Bradford, an influential figure in the Harlem music scene, played a significant role in shaping and popularizing blues and jazz music.
Released in 1921, “Sinful Blues” gained recognition for its daring and provocative lyrics, delving into themes of temptation, desire, and indulgence. The song captivated audiences with its sultry tone and became a commercial success, establishing Perry Bradford as a talented songwriter and contributing to the growing acceptance of blues music in mainstream circles.
Since its original recording, “Sinful Blues” has been covered and interpreted by various artists, showcasing its enduring appeal and significance within the blues genre. The song’s evocative lyrics and passionate delivery continue to resonate with listeners, making it a notable contribution to the early blues repertoire.
In summary, “Sinful Blues” stands as a testament to the evolving musical landscape of the 1920s, challenging societal norms and contributing to the growth of blues music as a powerful and influential art form.
Bessie Smith’s recording of “Sinful Blues” is notable for her distinctive vocal style and powerful delivery, which became her trademark. Her rendition showcased her ability to convey a wide range of emotions, from vulnerability to raw sensuality. With her deep, rich voice and expressive interpretation, Bessie Smith brought a unique intensity to the song.
Three Tune Tuesday (TTT) is initiated by 
I run a live stream of my TTT songs every Tuesday at 12:00pm EDT, then take that stream and share the songs from it here, on Hive, on Wednesday (or occasionally Thursday). These songs are all old pre-1923 78rpm records from my collection, played on my antique phonographs and recorded with a well placed microphone. Like what you hear? Come listen live!
Online Radio: https://blindskeleton.one/radio/
Three Tune Tuesday Live Stream: 12:00pm (noon) EST
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https://blindskeleton.one/blind-skeleton-podcasts/
(c) All images and photographs, unless otherwise specified, are created and owned by me.
(c) Victor Wiebe
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