Jimmy Rushing - Mr. Blues (2024)

James Andrew Rushing (August 26, 1901 – June 8, 1972) was an American singer and pianist from Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, U.S., best known as the featured vocalist of Count Basie's Orchestra from 1935 to 1948.

Rushing was a powerful singer who had a range from baritone to tenor. He has sometimes been classified as a blues shouter. He could project his voice so that it soared over the horn and reed sections in a big-band setting. Basie claimed that Rushing "never had an equal" as a blues vocalist, though Rushing "really thought of himself as a ballad singer." George Frazier, the author of Harvard Blues, called Rushing's voice "a magnificent gargle". Dave Brubeck defined Rushing's status among blues singers as "the daddy of them all." Late in his life, Rushing said of his singing style, "I don't know what kind of blues singer you'd call me. I just sing 'em." Among his best-known recordings are "Going to Chicago", with Basie, and "Harvard Blues", with a saxophone solo by Don Byas.

Tracklist:
1.01 - Jimmy Rushing - Good Morning Blues (5:19)
1.02 - Jimmy Rushing - See See Rider (5:14)
1.03 - Jimmy Rushing - Take Me Back, Baby (2:39)
1.04 - Jimmy Rushing - Sent for You Yesterday (Here You Come Today) (3:40)
1.05 - Jimmy Rushing - Roll'em Pete (4:34)
1.06 - Jimmy Rushing - My Friend Mr. Blues (5:03)
1.07 - Jimmy Rushing - Every Day (I Have the Blues) (5:40)
1.08 - Jimmy Rushing - Sometimes I Think I Do (6:34)
1.09 - Jimmy Rushing - Take Me with You, Baby (5:02)
1.10 - Jimmy Rushing - Evenin' (5:31)