Pianist Joe Liggins led the Honeydrippers through a string of R&B successes on the charts from the late 1940s into the early 1950s, relying on a refined brand of polite R&B. Two standout releases defined his peak: the 1945 smash “The Honeydripper” and the 1950 chart-topper “Pink Champagne,” with numerous additional sellers appearing in the intervening years.
Liggins entered the world in Oklahoma before relocating to San Diego in 1932. He reached Los Angeles in 1939, performing alongside several groups that included Sammy Franklin’s California Rhythm Rascals. After Franklin declined to cut Liggins’ catchy “The Honeydripper,” the bespectacled pianist formed his own ensemble and committed the number to Leon René’s Exclusive imprint, where it promptly ascended to the top of the R&B listings. Nine further Exclusive hits arrived across the next three years, among them the schmaltzy “Got a Right to Cry,” the frequently interpreted “Tanya”—a version by Chicago guitarist Earl Hooker proved especially memorable—and “Roll ’Em.”
Liggins moved to Specialty Records alongside his brother Jimmy in 1950. Fresh successes arrived straightaway with “Rag Mop,” the number-one R&B hit “Pink Champagne,” “Little Joe’s Boogie,” and “Frankie Lee.” Saxophonists Willie Jackson and James Jackson, Jr., figured prominently in the Honeydrippers’ lineup throughout this span. He remained with Specialty until 1954, after which isolated singles surfaced on Mercury and Aladdin. Although his moment had temporarily passed, the polished style he favored regained favor, allowing him to front a little big band until his death.
