The foundation of rhythm & blues was set during the war years. Big bands were stripped down to smaller horn lead combos driven by a jumping rhythm section tailor-made for dancing. In this setting the "blues shouter" was an absolute necessity. While Big Joe Turner is the father of the style, the flamboyant Wynonie Harris popularized the shouter's role as a leather-lunged hell raiser. Two singers followed in Harris' footsteps: Piney Brown & Eddie Mack. This 22 track collection from 1948-50 contains 7 never before released cuts, and features Willis Jackson & Bobby Smith.