Geffen Records
2005
Number Ones
About This Album
Number Ones is a fun sampling of 18 chart-toppers by Louis Jordan & His Tympany 5 recorded for Decca between 1942 and 1950. These songs dominated the Billboard R&B charts (or jukebox race charts as they were known then) between 1942 and 1950. Number Ones includes the original versions of such early R&B tracks as "Caldonia," "Beans and Corn Bread," "Saturday Night Fish Fry," "Buzz Me," "Ain't Nobody Here But Us Chickens," and "Jack, You're Dead!" Granted, this was the prime era of Louis Jordan's jump blues hitmaking, but it isn't a good place to start for those unfamiliar with his joyous work. Unfortunately, timeless favorites like "Five Guys Named Moe," "Is You Is or Is You Ain't My Baby?," and "Let the Good Times Roll" have been excluded. The single-disc 1977 MCA compilation The Best of Louis Jordan still contains the best and most well-rounded selections. ~ Al Campbell, All Music Guide
Track List (try tracks 1 and 13)

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