R&B In DC 1940-1960 Rhythm & Blues, Doo Wop, Rockin' Rhythm And More

2021 release

'R&B in DC 1940 - 1960' is a celebration of Washington, D.C.'s contribution to the rise of Rhythm & Blues music from the swing era to the dawn of soul. A comprehensive historical survey places music made by performers with significant ties to the Washington region into the context of the local and national scene. From street corner vocal quartets to national stars – from Billy Eckstine, Baby Dee, TNT Tribble, and The Clovers to Frank Motley, The Crawford Brothers, Lloyd Price, and Don Covay - and the behind the scenes record people, over 120 biographies trace the development of the D.C. Sound.

The exhaustively illustrated documentary by D.C. expert and historian Jay Bruder is based on a chronology drawn from extensive research in contemporary sources. The set includes vignettes on the history of record making in Washington, local record companies, the African-American press, as well as the African-American role in radio and television in the Washington area. It illustrates how Washington's schools, churches, and amateur shows formed a launching pad for local talent and how Washington's clubs and theaters became major destinations on the R&B circuit. 472 audio tracks on 16 CDs, and a 352-page book (LP format) bring this long overlooked musical community back to life.