Various:
R&B Spotlight '59
The Album
R&B Spotlight ‘59 combines 60 tracks by various artists selected from the US charts of 1959. All of the songs were R&B and/or pop hits and many have become classics of the genre. The artists include such legends as Chuck Berry, Bo Diddley, Fats Domino, the Coasters, Ruth Brown, Lavern Baker, Nat “King” Cole and Sarah Vaughan. The collection, including full details of the original label issues, is the second of an ongoing year-by-year series representing the Rhythm & Blues charts. The informative booklet notes are authored by respected Echoes/Record Collector journalist Mike Atherton.
A parallel series, Soul Breakout, is being released simultaneously. The two series are intended to complement each other, with no duplication of tracks.
The Artists
This 1959 installment in the year-by-year R&B Spotlight series sees the increasing popularity of Rhythm & Blues, with many of the entries also crossing over to the pop charts. The R&B chart mixed successes from both one-hit wonders and fifties stars. R&B with the Rock and Roll beat was represented by Fats Domino, Chuck Berry, Lloyd Price and Little Willie John. Harmony vocal group sounds abounded with notable sides from the Flamingos, the Skyliners, the Crests, the Five Satins and Richard Barrett with the Chantels.
Uptempo group items, often with a comedy slant, were very popular and the Coasters, the Clovers, the Cadillacs, the Accents and the Genies are amongst the excellent selections here. The whole Twist craze had it’s beginnings in this year with the release of the original version written and recorded by Hank Ballard & The Midnighters. Established stars like Nat “King” Cole and Sarah Vaughan proved they were adept in the style, scoring sizeable hits. Ruth Brown, Lavern Baker and Clyde McPhatter pointed the way for the future direction of R&B with their polished, New York-produced recordings. Bluesier items still appeared in the charts with winners from Jimmy Reed, Little Walter and Lightnin’ Slim. Instrumental charters included catchy items from Dave “Baby” Cortez, the Spacemen and Paul Gayten.
Tremendous tracks including classic songs like “Kansas City”, “Sea Cruise”, “Charlie Brown”, “The Twist”, “Since I Don’t Have You” and “Love Potion No 9” are all included here.
Various - R&B Spotlight '59 by FantasticVoyage