Cadillac Baby's Bea & Baby Records: The Definitive Collection

Cadillac Baby's Bea & Baby Records is the definitive collection four CD box set from Michael Frank of Earwig Music company. * It's interesting to learn that the common thread of Chicago and Bob Kester of the Jazz Record Mart was an influence in Michael's career. Not only was Michael the longtime harmonica player and side men of the legendary Honeyboy Edwards, Michael also started Earwig music in 1978 by recording the Jelly Roll Kings and he's never really looked back. While it's an incredibly comprehensive 4 CD box set featuring a wealth of great Blues talent, the equally fascinating book reveals the story behind Narvel Eaton, better known as Cadillac Baby, Owner of the Bea & Baby Records label Marvel was a former nightclub proprietor, radio announcer, record salesman and song writer and a very interesting Chicago personality. Frank and Cadillac Baby first met in the 1970s, not long after Mike followed his blues enthusiast to Chicago. More than a decade later Frank again bumped into the longtime label head and soon began co-producing a young hip-hop artist named Richard Davenport (known as 3D). Before the project could get off the ground, both Cadillac Baby and Davenport passed. Frank had a realization, "If I didn't do something about the label," he says, "it was just going to disappear. It became a mission for me, as an independent label owner and lover of blues, gospel, and all the music that the label represented." From the opening liner notes by historian Jim O'Neill, through the numerous biographies of blues and gospel artists, this will take you on a deep dive into over 30 years of Chicago blues and all the legends that came out of that time. From an Andre Williams side, "Please Give Me a Chance" as well as a rare Sleepy John Estes and Hammie Nixon number, "Cadillac Baby, Come Pick Me". The list is endless, with Hound Dog Taylor, Sunnyland Slim, Homesick James, Little Mack Simmons and Earl Hooker to name just a few. You'll learn of Cadillac Baby's roots in Cayuga Mississippi where he was influenced by the blues, and had neighbors like little Milton Campbell. And how he hitchhiked to Chicago to dive into show business in 1935, right after the World's Fair in Chicago. Like a good movie you are awaiting, I don't want to to reveal too much, just enough to entice you to dive into this rich history that Michael has put together. You'll learn about many of the Chicago greats as you enjoy this outstanding 4 CD Box set. It tops out at 5 stars on the STLBluesometer! Check it out for yourself and order at least one copy for yourself, and another one for that blues lover that you know!