Joe Liggins & The Honeydrippers Darktown Strutter's Ball

Jimmy and Joe Liggins.

Born in Oklahama on July 9, 1916, pianist Joe Liggins began recording for Exclusive in Los Angeles in 1945 with mellow 'city blues' material. His reputation grew quickly, encouraging brother Jimmy to forsake a boxing career and lead his own band, on guitar, for Specialty. Joe's rolling boogie `Honeydripper' proved popular, and he joined his brother at Specialty in 1950 where he had an immediate million seller 'Pink Champagne'.

Jimmy and his Drops of Joy recorded until 1955, latterly on Aladdin and Duplex, while Joe and his Honeydrippers remained with Specialty until 1959 before moving to Mercury, and in 1974 recorded for Johnny Otis' Blues Spectrum label.