“River Hip Mama” – Washboard Sam and his Washboard Band (1942)

Here’s a fun Washboard Sam tune to take us into the weekend – and one that sounds ahead of its time in many ways.

“Men’s all crazy ’bout her
She make them whine and cry
She’s a river hip mama
and they all wanna be baptized”.

Born as Robert Clifford Brown, Washboard Sam began performing in Memphis in the 1920s, before moving to Chicago in the 1930s, where he made many popular recordings. This session took place just a few months before the musician’s strike that began in August of 1942 and lasted over two years.

Recorded in Chicago, Illinois on February 10, 1942.
Released as RCA Victor 20-2789 (“Re-Issued By Request”)
Originally released as Bluebird B-9039.

Credits:
Washboard Sam – washboard, vocals
Big Bill Broonzy – guitar
Roosevelt Sykes – piano
Frank Owens – alto sax