“Money is Honey” – The Ramblers (1939) f/Teddy Bunn & Bob Hamilton

A studio group who did a session for Decca in 1939 that resulted in two issues. Notable for its inclusion of Bob Hamilton playing an electric organ – a relatively novel development in the 1930s – the decade that saw the first Hammond organ.

Here we have a tune by Mae Iris Hopkins, “Money is Honey”, later covered by the Count Basie Orchestra in the late 40s.

Hamilton’s accompaniment – especially the organ solo starting at 1:31- is quite interesting, and along with Teddy Bunn’s bluesy guitar solo at 1:53, it gives this R&B tune a decidedly modern feel. Add a little more volume and drench it with reverb and we could quickly have a “Green Onions” feel here.

Recorded in New York City on April 28, 1939.
Released as Decca 2470.

Credits:
Bob Hamilton – electric organ
Billy Kyle – piano
Teddy Bunn – guitar
O’Neil Spencer – drums, vocals

Sources:
DAHR
https://adp.library.ucsb.edu/index.php/matrix/detail/2000293605/65492-Money_is_honey