Jesse Stone

Jesse Stone wrote some brilliant and enduring songs -- "Shake, Rattle and Roll," "Good Golly Miss Molly," "Lipstick, Powder and Paint" -- and has been inducted into the Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame, but his name is generally unknown except to historians and collectors. Jesse Stone Alias Charles "Chuck" Calhoun documents the recording career of this talented songwriter, bandleader, and music industry figure, spanning the years 1949-1958 and following Stone's evolution through a variety of musical styles. Stone's late-'40s recordings, which comprise half the set, are jazzy vocal numbers with a pronounced novelty streak. Then there is an odd pop single from 1954 and a few vocal R&B cuts from 1955 that are the highlights of the set (even though Stone's vocals are merely adequate). The remaining tracks are mostly instrumental R&B/rock & roll sides. The original records were credited variously to Jesse Stone, the Stone Crushers, and Chuck Calhoun & the Atlantic All Stars, and were released on several different labels. There are many fascinating trivia facts and tidbits to be gleaned from the package, but it is primarily of historical rather than musical interest. ~ Greg Adams, All Music Guide