Few individuals have been as widely influential as Arkansas native and American music pioneer Louis Jordan (July 8, 1908 – Feb. 4, 1975).  An all around entertainer, Jordan is regarded by many music aficionados as the “Father of Rhythm & Blues” and the “King of the Jukeboxes.”  Not only was Jordan a talented saxophonist with certified jazz chops, but his 1949 recording of “Saturday Night Fish Fry” – a #1 hit – has been considered as one of the earliest examples of what would later become known as Rock n’ Roll. His hit song “Beware (Brother, Beware)” has been called an early example of Rap music; this 1946 recording featured Jordan rhythmically speaking (rhyming) over a musical beat. Louis Jordan even musically ran for president in the 1952 tune “Jordan for President.” Jordan melodically exclaimed, “If you want an administration that will groove you, that will move you, and keep you sent: Vote for Jordan for President! That’s me, folks, on the swing ticket.”

Louis Jordan may be the most unknown musician with the most known songs you’ve heard. Jordan’s “Let the Good Times Roll” and his duet with Ella Fitzgerald on “Baby It’s Cold Outside” are classic recordings. His song “Beans and Cornbread” has been the theme for TBS’s Dinner and a Movie television show for a decade, and his song “Is You Is or Is You Ain’t My Baby” was featured in an episode of the cartoon Tom and Jerry. Additionally, Jordan’s song “Five Guys Named Moe” was used as the title of a Broadway musical revue which highlighted his music.

Louis Jordan’s prolific musical career consists of 54 hit singles. Jordan also appeared in “soundies” – short musical films of the 1940’s that were precursors to contemporary music videos – and played cameo roles in Hollywood films of that period like ‘Follow the Boys” and Swing Parade. His 1944 recording, “G.I. Jive” was #1 on both the R&B and Pop charts. These were remarkable accomplishments for an African-American artist during a harshly divided time in our Nation’s history – years before the Civil Rights Movement.

Chuck Berry, James Brown, Ray Charles, B.B. King, and Sonny Rollins are among those who have acknowledged Jordan’s resonant influence. It is my hope that the resolution I sponsored, which unanimously passed the House, will bring more recognition to Louis Jordan’s important contributions to American music as a musician, composer, and entertainer.

This entry was posted on Wednesday, June 25th, 2008 at 12:58 pm and is filed under Politics .