Billy "The Kid" Emerson, "You Never Miss The Water" c/w "Do Yourself A Favor," Vee-Jay 261 (rel. 12/1957)
Sun Records alumnus William Robert Emerson came from Florida and was a self-taught pianist--two things I have in common with him. Born in 1925, he served in the second World War and, after that skirmish, served in the Korean conflict. In-between, he played in local groups, including one whose members dressed as Western outlaws--hence his nickname of Billy "The Kid."
Post-Korea, Emerson met the infamous Ike Turner and joined his Kings of Rhythm. Turner had connections with Sam Phillips in Memphis, and figured Emerson an ideal candidate for Sun Records. Phillips agreed and signed him in 1954. Five singles resulted, the last released in early 1956. Among them were two signature songs, "When it Rains It Pours" and "Red Hot," a rockabilly anthem that did well for everyone except Emerson (though I'm sure the songwriting royalties from many cover versions helped out over the years).
Emerson wanted a chart hit, and Sam Phillips wasn't able to get that for him. He moved to Chicago's Vee-Jay and Chess labels, in succession, for his next nine releases. These fared better, since both labels were better-connected to the musical mainstream. No outright hits resulted, but the excellence of Emerson's performance and material continued.
Today we'll hear his last Vee-Jay single, issued in December 1957. It's redolent of its creator's distinct style. "You Never Miss Your Water" is a sorta-sequel to "When It Rains..." in that it's based on an old saying. To a lazy-insistent beat, Emerson sings this first-person account of a guy who, in his words, has "messed up on you, baby." He's in pain and wants her back; he realizes "I goofed around, I don't deny" and wants to make amends. This vulnerability is unusual for '50s r&b and it makes for an effective song. Add an intense guitar solo and a solid backup band for a blues confessional up there with the best of its kind.
Post-Korea, Emerson met the infamous Ike Turner and joined his Kings of Rhythm. Turner had connections with Sam Phillips in Memphis, and figured Emerson an ideal candidate for Sun Records. Phillips agreed and signed him in 1954. Five singles resulted, the last released in early 1956. Among them were two signature songs, "When it Rains It Pours" and "Red Hot," a rockabilly anthem that did well for everyone except Emerson (though I'm sure the songwriting royalties from many cover versions helped out over the years).
Emerson wanted a chart hit, and Sam Phillips wasn't able to get that for him. He moved to Chicago's Vee-Jay and Chess labels, in succession, for his next nine releases. These fared better, since both labels were better-connected to the musical mainstream. No outright hits resulted, but the excellence of Emerson's performance and material continued.
Today we'll hear his last Vee-Jay single, issued in December 1957. It's redolent of its creator's distinct style. "You Never Miss Your Water" is a sorta-sequel to "When It Rains..." in that it's based on an old saying. To a lazy-insistent beat, Emerson sings this first-person account of a guy who, in his words, has "messed up on you, baby." He's in pain and wants her back; he realizes "I goofed around, I don't deny" and wants to make amends. This vulnerability is unusual for '50s r&b and it makes for an effective song. Add an intense guitar solo and a solid backup band for a blues confessional up there with the best of its kind.
Good listening...should grab off a good reaction. Agreed!
"Do Yourself a Favor" is a country-flavored blues mover with the male arrogance absent from the other side of this single. Cash Box is correct: this has "a light-hearted swingy treatment" of a song that could have been a pop, r&b or country hit. I find Emerson's clear, expressive voice a pleasure to hear, and he's in fine form on this session. If only I had the Bear Family CD collection Red Hot, I'd know when this was recorded and who the musicians are. Add that one to my list!
Sun label-mate Elvis Presley might have done well with this song. He recorded "When it Rains..." while at Sun, but Sam Phillips decided against putting that one out when it was new. It would've done Emerson a favor with all those royalty checks!
Sun label-mate Elvis Presley might have done well with this song. He recorded "When it Rains..." while at Sun, but Sam Phillips decided against putting that one out when it was new. It would've done Emerson a favor with all those royalty checks!
Emerson continued in this fruitful vein for Chess Records for three solid singles; afterwards he knocked around several small labels before he formed his own imprint, Tarpon Records, in the mid-1960s. He gave future blues star Denise LaSalle her debut on Tarpon.
Later in life, Emerson got religion and devoted himself to the gospel and became a reverend. He led a church in the Chicago area in the early 2000s.
Emerson passed on in 2023 at 97. A member of "the greatest generation," his contribution to Black music was significant and is well worth your time to explore.
Later in life, Emerson got religion and devoted himself to the gospel and became a reverend. He led a church in the Chicago area in the early 2000s.
Emerson passed on in 2023 at 97. A member of "the greatest generation," his contribution to Black music was significant and is well worth your time to explore.
Tomorrow: The world of Zell Saunders returns with The Click-ettes, on one of their singles for Dice Records; a 1959 near-hit with that otherworldly vibe.
Very nice-sounding recordings, tight band, clean arrangements, excellent vocals--wow! Never heard these before--thanks, Frank!
ReplyDeleteYou do a fine turn-on to musics, F'ko; many thanks.
ReplyDelete