The Story of Louis Jordan and His Music
Louis Jordan is the acknowledged father of rhythm and blues, the jazz saxophonist and vocalist whose inventiveness acted as a bridge between jazz and rhythm and blues, paving the way for Chuck Berry, Ray Charles, James Brown, and countless others.
By combining the music of his rural African-American heritage with the sophisticated sounds of nightclub bands, Jordan produced a unique style. His inspired vocals, blending the humor and pathos of his upbringing, soon won him a huge following. Jordan and his Tympany Five made a string of bestselling records that included "Is You Is Or Is You Ain't My Baby," "Caldonia," and "Choo Choo Ch'Boogie."
