An intensely powerful singer and guitarist, Elmore James did not start his recording career until he was 33, and he only lived to be 45, but he made a very strong impact during his dozen years on records. Some of his finest work was cut for the Fire label during 1959-1961, roughly half of which is included on this single CD. Other than a final outburst of selections during February 1963, these were James' last studio sessions, and he is heard at the peak of his powers throughout. Among the best-known performances are the hit "Shake Your Moneymaker," "The Sky Is Crying," and a remake of his famous "Dust My Broom," but all 16 selections are full of passion and fire. This is an essential acquisition for blues collectors, at least until a more complete James on Fire reissue comes out.



Tracklist:

01. Shake Your Moneymaker [1961] (02:32)
02. Look on Yonder Wall [1961] (02:25)
03. The Sky Is Crying [1959] (02:46)
04. Rollin' and Tumblin' [1960] (02:32)
05. Held My Baby Last Night [1959] (02:49)
06. I'm Worried [1960] (02:45)
07. Done Somebody Wrong [1960] (02:19)
08. Fine Little Mama [1960] (02:33)
09. Anna Lee [1960/1961] (02:58)
10. Stranger Blues [1960/1961] (03:14)
11. Something Inside Me [1960] (05:00)
12. Early One Morning [1960] (02:46)
13. Sunnyland [1961] (02:19)
14. Standing at the Crossroads [1960/1961] (02:58)
15. My Bleeding Heart [1960/1961] (03:03)
16. Dust My Broom [1959] (02:55)