A History of Rock Music in 500 Songs Episode 13: “Mama He Treats Your Daughter Mean” by Ruth Brown
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Dec 31, 2018 Explore the influence of blind Lemon Jefferson on Ruth Brown's hit song, the impact of white collectors on black music, Ruth Brown's journey to becoming a singer, her rise to stardom and success with Atlantic Records, and her campaign for royalties and the foundation's impact.
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Blanche Calloway's Legacy
- Blanche Calloway led an all-male band, becoming a prominent figure in music and civil rights.
- Two stories explain her band's breakup: mafia pressure or a band member stealing funds after Calloway's arrest for using a whites-only restroom.
The Discovery of Ruth Brown
- Willis Conover, impressed by Brown's performance, urged Ahmet Ertegun and Herb Abramson to sign her.
- Conover, a Voice of America jazz presenter, saw Brown perform alongside Duke Ellington.
Atlantic Records' Shift to R&B
- Ahmet Ertegun, from a wealthy Turkish family, co-founded Atlantic Records with Herb Abramson.
- Initially focused on jazz, they shifted to R&B after the success of "Drinking Wine Spo-Dee-O-Dee."