Ahoy, fellow audio adventurers! I’m Finnley the Dolphin, and today, we’re diving deep into a true blues treasure—2 In Blues, a 1963 collaboration between the legendary Bobby “Blue” Bland and Johnny “Guitar” Watson. This album, released by Crown Records, is a fascinating relic from an era when blues music was evolving and making waves in the industry. While not as well-known as some of their solo work, this record showcases the unique fusion of Bland’s smooth, gospel-influenced vocals and Watson’s fiery guitar style. Together, they created a blues experience that still resonates today. So, grab your snorkel and let’s swim through the history of this remarkable album, the artists who brought it to life, and the label that made it happen!
Bobby “Blue” Bland, born Robert Calvin Brooks on January 27, 1930, in Barretville, Tennessee, was an American blues singer known for blending gospel, blues, and R&B influences into his music. Sometimes referred to as the “Lion of the Blues” or the “Sinatra of the Blues,” he was praised for his dramatic vocal delivery, which often conveyed themes of love, betrayal, and resilience. His style was shaped by the sermons of Detroit preacher C.L. Franklin and influenced by Nat King Cole.
Bland’s early career saw him performing alongside B.B. King, Rosco Gordon, and Junior Parker as part of the Beale Streeters in Memphis. He recorded for Modern Records in the early 1950s but found little commercial success. After serving in the U.S. Army, he returned to music and signed with Duke Records, where he developed his signature sound with bandleader Bill Harvey and arranger Joe Scott. His major hits included “Farther Up the Road,” “I Pity the Fool,” and “Turn On Your Love Light.” Over the decades, Bland recorded for Duke, ABC, MCA, and Malaco Records, adapting to changing musical landscapes while maintaining his distinct voice. His career earned him numerous accolades, including induction into the Blues Hall of Fame, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and the Memphis Music Hall of Fame, as well as a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. He passed away on June 23, 2013, in Germantown, Tennessee.
Bland’s music has also been widely featured in film and television. His songs have appeared in productions such as Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse (2023), Big George Foreman (2023), Eileen (2023), The Simpsons (2021), You (2021), Godfather of Harlem (2021), Shaft (2019), Sex Education (2019), Nobody’s Fool (2018), Black Lightning (2018), The Hitman’s Bodyguard (2017), Detroit (2017), American Playboy: The Hugh Hefner Story (2017), True Detective (2015), The Lincoln Lawyer (2011), Ocean’s Twelve (2004), and Remember the Titans (2000). His deep influence on contemporary media continues to solidify his legacy.
Johnny “Guitar” Watson, born John Watson Jr. on February 3, 1935, in Houston, Texas, was a dynamic and innovative musician whose career spanned multiple genres. A flamboyant showman, he was influenced by T-Bone Walker and Clarence “Gatemouth” Brown. Initially starting as a blues artist, Watson’s career expanded into rhythm and blues, funk, and soul over a span of 40 years.
Watson’s career began in the mid-1950s with a series of recordings that showcased his raw talent and charisma. His instrumental single “Space Guitar” in 1954 was an early showcase of his electric guitar prowess. Songs like “Gangster of Love” cemented his reputation, though he did not achieve massive commercial success in his early years. Over time, Watson evolved his style, eventually becoming a major player in funk and R&B in the 1970s. His biggest hits included “Ain’t That a Bitch,” “Superman Lover,” and “A Real Mother for Ya.” His work would go on to influence artists like Snoop Dogg and Ice Cube, who sampled his riffs in their own music. Watson continued to record and perform until his passing on May 17, 1996, after collapsing on stage in Yokohama, Japan.
Crown Records was established in December 1953 as a budget label under the Bihari brothers, who also operated Modern and RPM Records. Initially intended as an R&B label, Crown did not begin issuing albums until 1957. The label was known for its cost-cutting measures, releasing albums at significantly lower prices than competitors, initially at $1.98 before dropping to $1.49 to compete with budget labels like Tops. By 1958, Crown began issuing stereo records on red vinyl at $2.98.
Crown Records became infamous for its low production quality. Covers were cheaply made, often falling apart, and many albums featured recycled slicks from other releases. The records themselves frequently had defects, with sound quality that was inconsistent at best. Crown also capitalized on using public domain songs to avoid paying royalties and often rebranded recordings under different artist names to maximize profits.
Despite its reputation as the “King of junk labels,” Crown did release some sought-after music, particularly in early rock and roll and jazz. The label was also known for its distinctive album artwork, particularly covers designed by Fazzio, an airbrush artist whose paintings became collector’s items. Crown continued operations until 1972, when it ceased production. Now at the address of the former Crown Records is an Enterprise Rent-a-Car.
Tracklist:
A1 Drifting From Town to Town
A2 So Respectable
A3 Too Tired
A4 Love to Love You
A5 Ruben
B1 Love You Yes I Do
B2 Bandstand
B3 Hot Little Mama
B4 I’m Gonna Hit the Highway
B5 Oh Baby
While details on session personnel and studio locations remain sparse, the album’s production follows the standard Crown Records model—minimal liner notes, basic mastering, and a focus on delivering music at a low cost. However, the pairing of Bland’s soulful, gospel-influenced vocals with Watson’s sharp blues guitar creates a compelling listening experience.
The album’s cover art was created by Fazzio, a portrait artist whose work for Crown Records has since become highly sought after. His distinctive painted covers, often more valuable than the records themselves, contribute to the mystique surrounding this release.
That’s a wrap on today’s deep dive into 2 In Blues! This record might not be the most famous in the catalogs of Bobby “Blue” Bland and Johnny “Guitar” Watson, but it’s a true hidden gem, capturing the magic of two blues greats coming together under the banner of Crown Records. As always, I’m here to guide you through the swirling currents of audio history, uncovering the sounds that deserve to be remembered. If you enjoyed this journey, be sure to keep following Finnley’s Audio Adventures—where every wave of sound tells a story! Until next time, happy listening!
Sources:
Books
Bakker, Vincent. The Gangster of Love: Johnny "Guitar" Watson, Performer, Preacher, Pimp EXTENDED EDITION. United States, CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform, 2014. pp. 90-95.
Farley, Charles. Soul of the Man: Bobby "Blue" Bland. Ukraine, University Press of Mississippi, 2011.
Keil, Charles. Urban Blues. United Kingdom, University of Chicago Press, 2014. pp. 90-91.
All Music Guide to the Blues. Germany, Backbeat Books, 2003. pp. 46-47.Magazines
Billboard, Nov 17, 1958, p. 47.
Jet, Feb 1, 1979, p. 61.
Jet, Jun 3, 1996, p. 16.Websites
"Bobby 'Blue' Bland And Johnny 'Guitar' Watson – 2 In Blues." Discogs, https://www.discogs.com/release/5317243-Bobby-Blue-Bland-And-Johnny-Guitar-Watson-2-In-Blues.
"Fazzio." Discogs, https://www.discogs.com/artist/2865737-Fazzio.
"Crown Records." BSN Pubs, https://www.bsnpubs.com/modern/crown/crownstory.html.