Our 9th episode covers an era that could be referred to as Louis’ ‘Classic’ Era, as it covers the time period when Louis rises to become (arguably) the single most famous musician in American history. All this takes place in the midst of rampant racism, prohibition laws (especially the gangsters that they inspired), and the worst economic depression that the country had ever witnessed.

Louis could have seen his career derailed in any one of a hundred different ways, yet due to his talent and his indomitable goodwill, he managed to thrive. His musical innovations were now commonplace among musicians – if you couldn’t play like Louis, then you weren’t hip and you couldn’t swing. As a result, Louis settled into simply being himself. The music may have been only slightly less innovative, but virtually everything he touched still turned into musical gold.

Here are song selections from today’s program;

1) Blue Again

2) You Rascal You

3) Lazy River

4) Stardust

5) Chinatown, My Chinatown

6) The Lonesome Road

7) Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea

8) All of Me

9) That’s My Home

10) Hobo, You Can’t Ride This Train