“W-O-M-A-N” – Etta James (1955)

I’ve been moving and reshelving records over the past week and have come across a few from the postwar R&B section that stuck out as meriting a listen. While I try to focus on jazz, sometimes one gets distracted by the myriad of great performers in all genres during the 78 rpm era.

Here we have a gendered answer to Bo Diddley’s more well-known “I’m a MAN”: Etta James’ recording of “W-O-M-A-N”. Etta spells it out plain as day and with her authoritative voice that earns instantaneous credibility from the first line.

Great song – and great performance. Of course, I have no idea where to look for credits/recording details for R&B music. If you have any info on this session, let me know in the comments.

Recorded in 1955.
Released as Modern 972.

Credits:
Etta James – vocals
Maxwell Davis – producer
Unknown Artists – sax, guitar, bass, drums