Hank Ballard - And the Midnighters Plus Singin` and Swingin` (2021)

Tracklist

01. Open up the Back Door
02. In the Doorway Crying
03. Oh so Happy
04. Let 'Em Roll
05. E Bosta Cosi
06. Stay by My Side
07. Daddy'S Little Baby
08. Partners for Life
09. Is Your Love For Real?
10. What Made You Change Your Mind
11. Let Me Hold Your Hand
12. Early One Morning
13. Teardrops on Your Letter
14. Ring A-Ling a-Ling
15. Don'T Say Your Last Goodbye
16. Whatsonever You Do
17. Stingy Little Thing
18. Ashamed of Myself
19. The Twist
20. That House on the Hill
21. Sweet Mama, Do Right
22. Ooh Ooh Baby
23. Tell Them
24. Rock and Roll Wedding
25. I'Ll Be Home Someday
26. Rock, Granny, Roll (Bonus Track)
27. Henry'S Got Flat Fleet (Can'T Dance No More) (Bonus Track)



Hank Ballard led one of the finest R&B groups on the '50s circuit. The erotic and visceral Midnighters, from Detroit, propelled by a driving rhythm of guitar, bass and drums, shocked the world of religious music with the obscene lyrics sung by Hank. His singing was usually steamy, his lyrics laden with innuendo, and he kept up a furious pace throughout each record. This release includes two of his finest albums: Hank Ballard & The Midnighters (1957) and Singin’ and Swingin’ (1959). In addition, 2 bonus tracks, consisting of hard to find sides from the same period. Here you’ll find how he twisted and expanded his Clyde McPhatter influence into a raw, gritty sound that inspired James Brown. Ballard's original version of "The Twist," which he wrote and recorded in 1958 (before Chubby Checker’s famous cover), can be found here. The song’s success laid the foundation for an endless series of dance records over the next few years. These 2 LPs offer a solid introduction into this man's special brand of soul, and contain some of the best R&B and rock & roll of the period.

“Hank Ballard helped define the sound of rock and roll”- Record Collector
“His energy and phrasing were a clear influence on James Brown, as was the Midnighters' blend of doo wop, dance, and guitar-driven R&B, one that had strong elements of urban electric blues” - Stephen T. Erlewine

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