In the first of a two-part series, we take an in-depth look at the recordings made by the Victor label in Memphis, in early 1928. Victor was the first company to make recordings in Memphis the previous year, in February 1927, and also the first to make a return trip, eleven months later, in January 1928. As the old saying goes, "the early bird gets the worm," and Victor wasted no time in gathering all the hottest acts that had recorded for other labels the previous year — cutting sides on Jim Jackson, Frank Stokes, and Gus Cannon. Also making their recording debut, in February 1928, two Mississippi Blues icons — Ishmon Bracey and Tommy Johnson. We'll also hear some rousing gospel numbers, and of course, more classics from the Memphis Jug Band. In Part Two, when we continue our look at the Blues in Memphis, we'll focus on the recordings made by the OKeh label in early 1928, including classics from Mississippi John Hurt, Lonnie Johnson, the Reverend J.M. Gates, and many more. Pictured: After making his recording debut for Paramount in 1927, Gus Cannon teamed up with some old friends and formed “Cannon’s Jug Stompers,” who made their first sides as a group for Victor, in early 1928.
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