A blues shouter is a blues singer, often male, capable of singing with a band. The singer must project, or «shout», to be heard over the drums and instruments of the band. Blues shouting is a major pathway by which jazz music edged over into rock and roll.
Notable blues shouters include:
Big Joe Turner, whose style changed hardly at all between 1938’s «Roll ‘Em Pete» and 1954’s «Shake, Rattle and Roll».
Wynonie Harris
Eddie «Cleanhead» Vinson, an unusual combination of blues shouter and bebop alto sax player.
Walter Brown, of the Jay McShann orchestra
Jimmy Witherspoon, who also appeared with McShann
Jimmy Rushing, blues shouter with Count Basie.
- Jimmy Rushing’s Hot Spot – The life and music of the blues shouter are outlined in anecdotes, discography and a lengthy 1963 interview taken from the Stanley Dance book, «The World of Count Basie.» Photos and links.
- Lush, Connie and Blues Shouter – British blues group. News, profiles, gig dates, pictures, and discography.
- Read, Slim – Official website. Saxophone player and blues shouter with Read Audio files, gig guide, and contact information.
- Screamin’ Jay Hawkins – Paying tribute to the late Jump Blues shouter and entertainer this site offers a biography, discography, lyrics, articles and a photo gallery.
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