Although not a musician himself, and unable to read music, Lucky Millinder was a bandleader for over twenty years. His pioneering recordings in the 1940s paved the way for what became known as Rhythm & Blues in the 1950s. Millinder signed with King Records in 1950, producing the songs which are featured on this CD. Included on this 24-song set are "I'm Waiting Just For You" and "Let It Roll Again."

Personnel: Johnny Bosworth, Henry Glover, John Carroll , Robert "Bubber" Johnson, Lee Richardson, Heywood Jackson, Melvin Moore, Myra Johnson, Annisteen Allen (vocals); Sam "The Man" Taylor (tenor saxophone).

Liner Note Author: Victor Pearlin.

This 24-track collection features a selection of Lucky Millinder's recordings for the King label in the 1950s. Though he wasn't a player himself, Millinder proved to be a charismatic bandleader, guiding his ensemble through energetic big-band tunes such as "Who Said Shorty Wasn't Coming Back" and "Let It Roll Again." The New York-based Millinder and his group had mastered the swinging sing-along by the early '50s, as revealed by the aforementioned tracks, "The Jumpin' Jack," "Clap Your Hands," and many other songs. In addition to Millinder's lively band, this compilation showcases the many vocalists that worked with him, including Big John Greer, Annisteen Allen, Melvin Moore, and the curiously named Pigmeat Peterson. (The swooning duets between Allen and Moore--"No One Else Could Be" and "It's Been a Long Long Time"--are particularly excellent.) A potent dose of rollicking swing mixed with lovely ballads, THE VERY BEST OF LUCKY MILLINDER is a fine introduction to this entertaining, underrated performer.

Genre:

• R&B / Soul

Labels:

• Collectables Records

Music Categories:

• Blues: Jump Blues

Product Groupings:

• Clearance CDs
• Collectables Records - Audio CDs

Product Series:

• Very Best Of King/Federal/DeLuxe Records