One can trace a direct line from Louis Jordan to Chuck Berry and Little Richard to rock’n’roll. He is described by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as “the Father of Rhythm & Blues” and “the Grandfather of Rock’n’Roll.”
Jordan usually performed with small, tightly arranged bands and did most of his work in the 1930s, 40s and early 50s. He had several million-seller hits and crossed over to the white pop charts. Jordan’s frequent recordings for Armed Forces Radio also increased his crossover appeal with white audiences.
“Caldonia” is one of Jordan’s better known songs. Here’s a version by Clarence “Gatemouth” Brown.
This Tom & Jerry cartoon features Jordan’s song “Is You Is, Or Is You Ain’t My Baby.”
Jordan’s “Let the Good Times Roll” was one of the songs featured in the movie “The Blues Brothers.”
For more about Jordan, http://louisjordan.com/
