At the end of the Second World War, economics forced the big bands to trim their once great size and thus, the Jump Blues combo was born. Between 1946-1954, rhythm and blues laid the tracks for what was to become Rock n’ Roll. So how come, 75 years later, this vibrant and influential music is still so unknown to so many? Matt The Cat is going to change that with the radio program, “Juke In The Back.” These were the records that you couldn’t hear on the jukebox in the front of the establishment.…
Air Week: August 17-23, 2026 Elvis’ R&B Influences 49 years ago this week, we lost the “King Of Rock n’ Roll. Much has been written about Elvis’ enormous impact and popularity over the years, but it’s almost impossible to overstate the cultural shift that took place as he rose to fame in 1956. Elvis was a musical sponge. He absorbed all the music that moved him and those around him, from Country…
Air Week: August 10-16, 2026 Aladdin Records, Pt. 3 – 1953-55 The “Juke In The Back” presents part 3 in our series on Aladdin Records, one of the most important independent labels of the pre-rock era. Part 3 focuses on 1953-55, just as Rock n’ Roll was beginning to enter the mainstream. Matt The Cat digs up a great variety of styles this week as vocal groups, raw Rhythm & Blues, jump…
Air Week: August 3-9, 2026 Aladdin Records, Pt. 2 – 1950-54 The “Juke In The Back” presents part 2 in our 3 part series on Aladdin Records, one of the most important independent labels of the pre-rock era. Part 2 will pick up the Aladdin Records Story in 1950 and carry it through til rock n’ roll began hitting the mainstream in 1953-54. This week, we’ll hear more hits from Aladdin’s early…
Air Week: July 27-August 2, 2026 Aladdin Records, Pt. 1 – 1945-49 The “Juke In The Back” begins a three part special on one of the most important record labels of the pre-rock era, Aladdin Records. Eddie and Leo Mesner started Aladdin as Philo Records in 1945. It was one of the first independent labels on the West Coast and sought to fill in the R&B void left by major labels like Victor, Decca and…
1940s & †50s Rhythm & Blues At the end of the Second World War, economics forced the big bands to trim their once great size and thus, the Jump Blues combo was born. Between 1946-1954, rhythm and blues laid the tracks for what was to become Rock n†Roll. So how come, 70 years later, this vibrant and influential music is still so unknown to so many? Matt The Cat is going to change that with the…