This week's edition of The '50s R&B Show will be dedicated to the memory of the one-of-a-kind songwriter and balladeer Jesse Belvin on the 60th anniversary of his death. It's available now on our 2-week archive. Listen at this link. 

Though the name Jesse Belvin may be regrettably obscure to many, the details of his life and career are fascinating, and the breadth of his influence is inspiring. 

Belvin's recording career lasted only nine short years; but in that time, he became one of the most highly-revered and beloved singers and songwriters in the business, particularly among his musical peers.  His hits "Goodnight My Love" and "Guess Who" will forever be among the greatest R&B standards of all time, as will another classic that bears his name -- the Penguins' 1954 vocal group anthem "Earth Angel."

Tragedy struck the R&B world on February 6th, 1960, when an automobile accident near Hope, Arkansas took the lives of Belvin and his wife, Jo Ann. Jesse was only 27 years old.  

This week's tribute will include Jesse's hits and rarities -- songs he recorded as a solo performer and also as part of an array of vocal groups and vocal duos. The show will be complete with first-rate examples of the slick R&B sound that emanated from Los Angeles in the 1950s, lots of originally unreleased material and, of course, the stunning ballads that Jesse did so well.  We'll also be hearing several interview clips from two of Jesse's close friends and collaborators.  

Tune in to WWOZ 90.7 FM or wwoz.org this Tuesday, February 4th, at 7pm for a tribute to an R&B phenomenon whose legacy should never be forgotten.