Episode #845 – The Influence of “Junker’s Blues” and R&B Telephone Songs

Air Week: July 13-19, 2026

The Influence of “Junker’s Blues” and R&B Telephone Songs

The “Juke In The Back” is jumpin’ this week as we take a look at the history and influence of the Champion Jack Dupree classic, “Junker’s Blues.” He learned the tune from New Orleans boogie woogie pianist Drive ‘Em Down, but it was Dupree’s recording that influenced Fats Domino, Lloyd Price and Professor Longhair. We’ll also make some long distance rhythm & blues phone calls from Floyd Dixon, Sonny Terry, Muddy Waters and Big Walter. Grab a nickel and dig on the “Juke In The Back.”

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