On January 1, 1961, “Duke” label released “Two Steps from the Blues”, the debut Bobby Bland album. It was recorded 1956 – 1960, at “Universal Recording Corporation” in Chicago, Illinois, and was produced by Don Robey.
Personnel:
- Bobby Bland – vocal (the scintillating voice)
- Clarence Holloman – guitar
- Wayne Bennett – guitar
- Hamp Simmons – bass
- John “Jabo” Starks – drums
- Teddy Reynolds – piano
- Robert Skinner – tenor saxophone
- L. A. Hill – tenor saxophone
- Rayfield Devers – baritone saxophone
- Joe Scott – trumpet, arranger
- Melvin Jackson – trumpet
- Pluma Davis – trombone
- Rene Williams – design
- Dzondria LaIsac – design, liner notes
Track listing:
- Two Steps from the Blues – Don D. Robey, John Riley Brown
- Cry Cry Cry – Don D. Robey
- I’m Not Ashamed – Don D. Robey, Joseph Scott
- Don’t Cry No More – Don D. Robey
- Lead Me On – Don D. Robey
- I Pity the Fool – Deadric Malone
- I’ve Just Got to Forget You – Don D. Robey
- Little Boy Blue – Charles Harper
- St. James Infirmary – traditional, credited to Joe Primrose
- I’ll Take Care of You – Brook Benton
- I Don’t Want No Woman – Don D. Robey
- I’ve Been Wrong So Long – Don D. Robey, Ray Agee
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