Pee Wee Crayton - When It Rains It Pours — DeepCutsArchive

DeepCutsArchive

Pee Wee Crayton - When It Rains It Pours — DeepCutsArchive

VARIOUS: LET ME TELL YOU ABOUT THE BLUES - THE EVOLUTION OF WEST COAST BLUES California experienced a phenomenal growth in independent recording in the postwar years, after decades of dominance by the major labels. Millions had flocked there during the war years and they needed entertainment. It all began with 'The GI Sing-sation', Cecil Gant and his 'I Wonder', a blues ballad that caught the public's imagination. It was also a time for downsizing; the full Johnny Otis Orchestra backed Jimmy Rushing singing 'Jimmy's Round The Clock Blues' but such aggregations quickly broke up and the trend was for small quintets led by the likes of Joe Liggins ('The Honeydripper'), Saunders King ('SK Blues'), Buddy Banks ('Fluffy's Debut'), Jack McVea ('Open The Door Richard') and Roy Milton ('R.M. Blues'). Charles Brown ('Drifting Blues'), Jimmy Witherspoon ('Ain't Nobody's Business') and T-Bone Walker ('Call It Stormy Monday') set the fashion for cool, laidback blues, while Gene Phillips ('Stinkin' Drunk'), Amos Milburn ('Chicken Shack Boogie'), Joe Lutcher ('Rockin' Boogie') and Jimmy Liggins ('Cadillac Boogie') added a little heat to the pot. After Big Jay McNeely's 'The Deacon's Hop' and Wild Bill Moore's 'Rock And Roll', honking sax instrumentals became a major sales incentive. The market was crowded with pianist/singers like Little Willie Littlefield ('It's Midnight'), Ivory Joe Hunter ('I Almost Lost My Mind'), Jimmy McCracklin ('Beer Drinkin' Woman'), Roy Hawkins ('Why Do Everything Happen To Me') and a young Ray Charles ('Late In The Evening Blues'). As the 1950s began, rhythm and blues took centre stage, preparing the ground for the advent of rock'n'roll. Percy Mayfield ('The River's Invitation') remained cool but newcomers like Lloyd Price ('Lawdy Miss Clawdy'), Young John Watson ('Motorhead Baby'), Willie Mae Thornton ('Hound Dog'), Etta James ('The Wallflower') and Linda Hopkins ('Yes I Know') sang to a stronger beat. Meanwhile, the blues had not been forgotten, Pee Wee Crayton ('When It Rains It Pours'), Jimmy Wilson ('Tin Pan Alley'), James Reed ('Things Ain't What They Used To Be') and Johnny Fuller ('Roughest Place In Town') could still stir the emotions. Saxophonists still made the charts but as an indication of what was to come, guitarists like Pete 'Guitar' Lewis ('Louisiana Hop') and Jimmy Nolen ('Strollin' With Nolen') also found themselves popular. By 1956, the year of Jimmy McCracklin's 'Savoy's Jump', rock'n'roll had knocked down the door. Public taste was changing and within a couple of years the music celebrated here was old-fashioned and passed by.

About This Footage

In the vast expanse of blues history, there exist moments that not only capture the essence of an era but also serve as testaments to the evolution of music itself. The 1956 clip "Pee Wee Crayton - When It Rains It Pours" is one such moment, a rare and precious gem that showcases the artistry of Pee Wee Crayton, an American R&B and blues guitarist and singer.

Recorded in 1956, this three-minute clip falls within the tumultuous post-war years when California experienced a surge in independent recording. The West Coast was abuzz with new talent, as artists like T-Bone Walker, Charles Brown, and Jimmy Witherspoon set the tone for cool, laidback blues. Crayton's performance, however, stands out from this ensemble, not only due to his technical prowess but also because of the song itself.

"When It Rains It Pours" is a masterclass in emotional expression, with Crayton's guitar work weaving a narrative that's both melancholic and hopeful. His playing style, which blends elements of blues and R&B, was ahead of its time, influencing generations to come. As a singer, Crayton's voice conveys the raw emotion of the lyrics, making "When It Rains It Pours" an unforgettable listening experience.

The context in which this clip exists is equally fascinating. The 1950s were a transformative period for blues music, as it transitioned from its roots to become a more commercial entity. Artists like Lloyd Price and Etta James began to emerge, their styles reflecting the growing influence of rock'n'roll. Crayton's work, however, remained true to the blues tradition, making him an anomaly in this era of musical flux.

The rarity of this footage only adds to its significance. With a duration of 3:03, "Pee Wee Crayton - When It Rains It Pours" offers a glimpse into the past that's both intimate and instructive. For those familiar with Crayton's work, this clip serves as a reminder of his enduring legacy; for newcomers, it provides an introduction to the artistry of one of blues' most unsung heroes.

In "Pee Wee Crayton - When It Rains It Pours," we find not only a remarkable performance but also a testament to the power of music to transcend time and circumstance. This clip is a reminder that, even in an era of rapid change, there exist moments of beauty and truth that continue to resonate with us today.

Curated from public records and music databases.