In an extraordinary recording career that spanned six decades, pianist Roosevelt Sykes (1906-1983) proved himself to be among the most original of bluesmen. Sykes' music was a natural blend of blues, jazz and R&B performed with invigorating personality. On CD for the first time, these sessions were recorded in 1950-51 and issued on Regal 78s. Sykes is accompanied by drummer Jump Jackson and on a few tracks by J.T. Brown, tenor sax and probably Ransom Knowling, bass. Special guest St. Louis Jimmy appears on tracks cut in the early '60s for Delmark.