Billy "Red" Love

Pianist Billy "Red" Love inked a recording agreement with fledgling producer Sam Phillips during 1951, though concrete details surrounding his career stay limited. Phillips routed an initial Love cut titled "Juiced" over to Chess, presenting it instead as fresh material from Jackie Brenston, who was then riding high after "Rocket 88."

The pianist’s first Chess single, “Drop Top,” reached listeners regionally with solid results, yet the label parted ways after issuing his 1952 follow-up, “My Teddy Bear Baby.” Love remained tied to Sun until 1954, contributing to sessions for Rufus Thomas and Willie Nix while laying down numerous unreleased tracks under his own name.

Jumping blues from those Sun years later surfaced in volume, supplying half of a Charly LP shared with Little Junior Parker. Guitarist Duke Robillard later revived one of the delayed masters, the rocking “Gee I Wish.” In 1955 Love departed Memphis, destination unspecified.