Episode 260 – Recorded 5-1-25 – On this episode, Dr David Evans introduces us to a True Country Blues Diva, Madame Van Zula Hunt who he met and started recording in 1979 when Madame Hunt was in her 80’s. Here, Dr Evans provides you with some of her history and some very interesting stories of this early Blues Diva. This is the first in a series of interview episodes and until now, unpublished field recordings made by Dr Evans with accompaniments with Madame Hunt’s daughter, “Sweet Charlene”, her favorite pianist  and Dr Evans’ excellent Beale Street Jug Band.   Please enjoy!

• 00:02:15 – Dr. David Evans: Meeting Madame Hunt
• 00:06:30 – Madame Hunt’s Early Life and Musical
• 00:09:15 – Jug Bands and Vaudeville
• 00:13:24 – Recording Career and ‘Selling the Jelly’
• 00:23:00 – Lonesome Road Blues
• 00:29:25 – Tin Pan Alley – Sung by Sweet Charlene
• 00:34:14 – Scoot Up Debutay – Scat Improv
• 00:41:31 – Early in the Morning
• 00:42:35 – I Never Knew Just What Our Love Would Do
• 00:46:45 – Field Recordings and Rediscovery
• 00:50:47 – Sunnyland Train Blues
• 00:53:13 – Troubled World
• 01:00:08 – Coonjine Baby – Medicine Show Tune
• 01:03:00 – Closing Comments and CD Inquiry
• 01:03:03 – Sweet Charlene: ‘That’s Alright”

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