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PODCAST · music

Juke In The Back

by Matt The Cat

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. To hear all this great 1950s rhythm & blues, you had to go to “Juke In The Back.”

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Episodes

  1. Episode #859 – Louis Jordan, Pt. 6 – 1950-56

    Air Week: October 19-25, 2026 Louis Jordan, Pt. 6 – 1950-56 The “Juke In The Back” presents Part 6, the final part of our mammoth, 6 part series, on the most important musical figure of the 1940s, Louis Jordan. He was the most successful African-American artist of the decade, selling millions of...

  2. Episode #858 – Louis Jordan, Pt. 5 – 1948-50

    Air Week: October 12-18, 2026 Louis Jordan, Pt. 5 – 1948-50 The “Juke In The Back” presents Part 5 of our mammoth, 6 part series, featuring the most important musical figure of the 1940s, Louis Jordan. He was the most successful African-American artist of the decade, selling millions of records…

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  3. Episode #857 – Louis Jordan, Pt. 4 – 1947-48

    Air Week: October 5-11, 2026 Louis Jordan, Pt. 4 – 1947-48 The “Juke In The Back” presents Part 4 of our mammoth, 6 part series, featuring the most important musical figure of the 1940s, Louis Jordan. He was the most successful African-American artist of the decade, selling millions of records to...

  4. Episode #856 – Louis Jordan, Pt. 3 – 1946

    Air Week: September 28-October 4, 2026 Louis Jordan, Pt. 3 – 1946 The “Juke In The Back” presents Part 3 of a mammoth, six-part series, featuring the most important musical figure of the 1940s, Louis Jordan. He was the most successful African-American artist of the decade, selling millions of...

  5. Episode #855 – Louis Jordan, Pt. 2 – 1942-45

    Air Week: September 21-27, 2026 Louis Jordan, Pt. 2 – 1942-45 The “Juke In The Back” presents Part 2 of a mammoth, six-part series, featuring the most important musical figure of the 1940s, Louis Jordan. He was the most successful African-American artist of the decade, selling millions of records...

  6. Episode #854 – Louis Jordan, Pt. 1 – 1938-41

    Air Week: September 14-20, 2026 Louis Jordan, Pt. 1 – 1938-41 The “Juke In The Back” begins a mammoth, multi-part series, featuring the most important musical figure of the 1940s, Louis Jordan. He was the most successful African-American artist of the decade, selling millions of records to both...

  7. Episode #853 – Ike Turner

    Air Week: September 7-13, 2026 Ike Turner One of Rhythm & Blues’ greatest innovators was also one of its most notorious personalities. Ike Turner was born in the same place that the blues was born, in the heart of the Mississippi Delta in Clarksdale in 1931. He learned boogie woogie piano was the...

  8. Episode #852 – Sun Records R&B, Pt. 2 – 1954-55

    Air Week: August 31-September 6, 2026 Sun Records R&B, Pt. 2 – 1954-55 On Part 2 of “Juke In The Back”‘s 2 part series on Sun Records’ early R&B releases, Matt The Cat spotlights 1954 and ’55. This was the most important year and a half in Sun’s history. In July, 1954, a young former truck driver...

  9. Episode #851 – Sun Records R&B, Pt. 1 – 1952-53

    Air Week: August 24-30, 2026 Sun Records R&B, Pt. 1 – 1952-53 This week, the “Juke In The Back” salutes the most influential and important record label of all-time, Sun Records. Sam Phillips started the legendary label in Memphis, TN in March, 1952 after successfully recording the debut sides…

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  10. Episode #850 – Elvis’ R&B Influences

    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....

  11. Episode #849 – Aladdin Records, Pt. 3 – 1953-55

    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...

  12. Episode #848 – Aladdin Records, Pt. 2 – 1950-54

    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...

  13. Episode #847 – Aladdin Records, Pt. 1 – 1945-49

    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...

  14. Episode #846 – Jay McShann

    Air Week: July 20-26, 2026 Jay McShann Jay McShann was a pioneer of Rhythm & Blues, cutting his teeth as a swing bandleader, arriving in Kansas City just as it was becoming a jazz mecca. In 1937, he heard the young Charlie Parker and asked him to join his band. “Bird” was on McShann’s first...

  15. 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…

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  16. Episode #844 – Parrot Records

    Air Week: July 6-12, 2026 Parrot Records This week, “Juke In The Back” focuses on a tiny Chicago R&B record label with a big sound; Parrot Records. The label was started by Chicago DJ Al Benson in late 1952 and it closed its doors in 1956. During its period of operation, Parrot recorded some...

  17. Episode #843 – 250th 4th of July R&B Picnic

    Air Week: June 29-July 5, 2026 250th 4th of July R&B Picnic This week, “Juke In The Back” waves the banner high in celebration of America’s 250th birthday with one of America’s great contributions to the world. No, it’s not a representative democracy, motion pictures, space flight or a free...

  18. Episode #842 – Chuck Berry, Pt. 3 – 1958

    Air Week: June 22-28, 2026 Chuck Berry, Pt. 3 – 1958 Chuck Berry has been called the “Father of Rock n’ Roll” and with good reason. He took the blues of T-Bone Walker and B.B. King, the guitar riffs of Carl Hogan and mixed it with the fiddle and Western Swing music of Bob Wills & His Texas...

  19. Episode #841 – Chuck Berry, Pt. 2 – 1956-57

    Air Week: June 15-21, 2026 Chuck Berry, Pt. 2 – 1956-57 Chuck Berry has been called the “Father of Rock n’ Roll” and with good reason. He took the blues of T-Bone Walker and B.B. King, the guitar riffs of Carl Hogan and mixed it with the fiddle and Western Swing music of Bob Wills & His Texas...

  20. Episode #840 – Chuck Berry, Pt. 1 – 1955-56

    Air Week: June 8-14, 2026 Chuck Berry, Pt. 1 – 1955-56 Chuck Berry has been called the “Father of Rock n’ Roll” and with good reason. He took the blues of T-Bone Walker and B.B. King, the guitar riffs of Carl Hogan and mixed it with the fiddle and Western Swing music of Bob Wills & His Texas...

  21. Episode #839 – Arthur Lee Maye & The Crowns

    Air Week: June 1-7, 2026 Arthur Lee Maye & The Crowns Arthur Lee Maye did something that few had ever done. He concurrently had a career as a R&B singer, leading the LA-based group Arthur Lee Maye & The Crowns while also playing minor and major league baseball as an outfielder for the Milwaukee...

  22. Episode #838 – Imperial Records, Pt. 11 – 1957-58

    Air Week: May 25-31, 2026 Imperial Records, Pt. 11 – 1957-58 Imperial Records was a major player among the indie labels of the late 1940s and the entirety of the 1950s. Started in Los Angeles in 1946 by Lew Chudd, a Canadian raised in Harlem, Imperial began filling the ethnic and cultural voids...

  23. Episode #837 – Imperial Records, Pt. 10 – 1957

    Air Week: May 18-24, 2026 Imperial Records, Pt. 10 – 1957 Imperial Records was a major player among the indie labels of the late 1940s and the entirety of the 1950s. Started in Los Angeles in 1946 by Lew Chudd, a Canadian raised in Harlem, Imperial began filling the ethnic and cultural voids left...

  24. Episode #836 – Imperial Records, Pt. 9 – 1956, Pt. 2

    Air Week: May 11-17, 2026 Imperial Records, Pt. 9 – 1956, Pt. 2 Imperial Records was a major player among the indie labels of the late 1940s and the entirety of the 1950s. Started in Los Angeles in 1946 by Lew Chudd, a Canadian raised in Harlem, Imperial began filling the ethnic and cultural…

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  25. Episode #835 – Imperial Records, Pt. 8 – 1956, Pt. 1

    Air Week: May 4-10, 2026 Imperial Records, Pt. 8 – 1956, Pt. 1 Imperial Records was a major player among the indie labels of the late 1940s and the entirety of the 1950s. Started in Los Angeles in 1946 by Lew Chudd, a Canadian raised in Harlem, Imperial began filling the ethnic and cultural voids...

  26. Episode #834 – Imperial Records, Pt. 7 – 1955, Pt. 2

    Air Week: April 27-May 3, 2026 Imperial Records, Pt. 7 – 1955, Pt. 2 Imperial Records was a major player among the indie labels of the late 1940s and the entirety of the 1950s. Started in Los Angels in 1946 by Lew Chudd, a Canadian raised in Harlem, Imperial began filling the ethnic and cultural...

  27. Episode #833 – Imperial Records, Pt. 6 – 1955, Pt. 1

    Air Week: April 20-26, 2026 Imperial Records, Pt. 6 – 1955, Pt. 1 Imperial Records was a major player among the indie labels of the late 1940s and the entirety of the 1950s. Started in Los Angels in 1946 by Lew Chudd, a Canadian raised in Harlem, Imperial began filling the ethnic and cultural…

    more

  28. Episode #832 – Imperial Records, Pt. 5 – 1954

    Air Week: April 13-19, 2026 Imperial Records, Pt. 5 – 1954 Imperial Records was a major player among the indie labels of the late 1940s and the entirety of the 1950s. Started in Los Angels in 1946 by Lew Chudd, a Canadian raised in Harlem, Imperial began filling the ethnic and cultural voids left...

  29. Episode #831 – Imperial Records, Pt. 4 – 1953

    Air Week: April 6-12, 2026 Imperial Records, Pt. 4 – 1953 Imperial Records was a major player among the indie labels of the late 1940s and the entirety of the 1950s. Started in Los Angels in 1946 by Lew Chudd, a Canadian raised in Harlem, Imperial began filling the ethnic and cultural voids left…

    more

  30. Episode #830 – Imperial Records, Pt. 3 – 1951-52

    Air Week: March 30-April 5, 2026 Imperial Records, Pt. 3 – 1951-52 Imperial Records was a major player among the indie labels of the late 1940s and the entirety of the 1950s. Started in Los Angels in 1946 by Lew Chudd, a Canadian raised in Harlem, Imperial began filling the ethnic and cultural...

  31. Episode #829 – Imperial Records, Pt. 2 – 1950-51

    Air Week: March 23-29, 2026 Imperial Records, Pt. 2 – 1950-51 Imperial Records was a major player among the indie labels of the late 1940s and the entirety of the 1950s. Started in Los Angels in 1946 by Lew Chudd, a Canadian raised in Harlem, Imperial began filling the ethnic and cultural voids...

  32. Episode #828 – Imperial Records, Pt. 1 – 1947-50

    Air Week: March 16-22, 2026 Imperial Records, Pt. 1 – 1947-50 Imperial Records was a major player among the indie labels of the late 1940s and the entirety of the 1950s. Started in Los Angels in 1946 by Lew Chudd, a Canadian raised in Harlem, Imperial began filling the ethnic and cultural voids...

  33. Episode #827 – Live 1951: Midnight Matinee

    Air Week: March 9-15, 2026 Live 1951: Midnight Matinee This week, the “Juke In The Back” presents a unique program designed to put the listener in a front row seat for a live rhythm review performance. So often, we wonder what a live program would have been like before the dawn of Rock n’ Roll?...

  34. Juke In The Back Promo

    1940s & â€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…

    more

  35. Juke In The Back: Demo The Show

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ABOUT THIS SHOW

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. To hear all this great 1950s rhythm & blues, you had to go to “Juke In The Back.”

HOSTED BY

Matt The Cat

CATEGORIES

music history commentary

Frequently Asked Questions

How many episodes does Juke In The Back have?

Juke In The Back currently has 35 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.

What is Juke In The Back about?

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...

How often does Juke In The Back release new episodes?

Juke In The Back has 35 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.

Where can I listen to Juke In The Back?

You can listen to Juke In The Back on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.

Who hosts Juke In The Back?

Juke In The Back is created and hosted by Matt The Cat.
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