Air Week: May 6-12, 2024

“Juke In The Back” is proud to dedicate an entire show to Jesse Belvin, one of greatest talents to come out of LA in the 1950s. Belvin was born in Texas, but raised near Central Avenue in Los Angeles, where he soaked up the local R&B scene. After transferring to Jefferson High School, he fell in with Richard Berry, Gaynel Hodge and other budding vocal talents. After meeting Marvin Phillips, whom he would collaborate with on and off for years, Belvin sang his first lead on record for Big Jay McNeely in 1951. From there, he recorded for Specialty Records with Marvin as Jesse & Marvin and scored a #2 hit with “Dream Girl.” He would cut sides for Recorded in Hollywood, Modern, Cash, Money, Tender, RCA and many other labels. Jesse Belvin was respected by his contemporaries and always showed a sophistication in his singing that was far beyond his years. His musical phrasing was impeccable. This week, Matt The Cat will focus on Jesse Belvin’s greatest sides, released between 1951-56, so don’t miss a single minute of the “Juke In The Back.” 

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