Jo Stafford's
Ballad of the Blues is a concept album showcasing the influence of the blues through a story told in song, primarily in a pop setting with a full orchestra. Accompanied by her husband
Paul Weston and his orchestra, along with the backing vocals of the all-male quartet
the Starlighters,
Stafford explores traditional fare such as "John Henry," spirituals ("Sometimes I Feel Like a Motherless Child" and "Nobody Knows the Trouble I've Seen"), standards ("Blues in the Night"), and jazz classics ("Memphis Blues" and "Lover Man"), along with new compositions featuring music by
Weston and lyrics by
Alan and
Marilyn Bergman. The music seamlessly segues from one track to the next, even as the mood changes from pop to jazz and back again.
Stafford's delicious alto voice stands the test of time very well throughout the sessions.