Here we have a late gospel 78 – Savoy 4125, “That Great Judgement Day” backed with “He’s All I Need” by the Roberta Martin Singers from mid-1959. Savoy had a great gospel catalog.
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The Goat
“The Goat” backed with “It’s Sad To Be Alone” by blues harpist Sonny Boy Williamson was issued around January 1960 as Checker 943. And as late as this one was there would be a few more Checker 78s further into 1960.
Shake A Hand
Atlantic 2048 – Lavern Baker’s “Shake a Hand” backed with “Manana” was released in either December 1959 or January 1960 (sources disagree) and was likely Atlantic Record’s final 78 issue. Atlantic 2050 was “This Magic Moment” by the Drifters. Wouldn’t that have been amazing to see on a 78? Maybe one of them is floating around out there somewhere.
First Time I Met The Blues
Now this is a late one. Chess 1753 released in April 1960. The end of American 78s was certainly near. It’s also a great intense blues with surreal lyrics sung by the great Buddy Guy. The b-side was titled, “I Got My Eyes On You.”
Fannie Mae
For a long time record collectors thought Fire records 1008, “Fannie Mae” b/w “Lost In A Dream” by Buster Brown, was the last American 78 record. Since then several even later 78s have been unearthed. But this is still a great rock and roll (actually blues) song released in November 1959 and considered a 1960 hit.
