The Orioles - Don't Tell Her What's Happened To Me

The next Orioles session was held on September 6, 1951, when they recorded the old blues, "Baby, Please Don't Go," "Don't Tell Her What's Happened To Me," and "I May Be Wrong (But I Think You're Wonderful)." A few days later, on the 14th, they opened at the Apollo Theater, along with the Johnny Hodges Orchestra. Remember that Hodges was the first one to record a part of the tune from "Night Train," and the Orioles had done another piece with "Happy Go Lucky Local Blues." While "Night Train" itself was several months away, it was probably an interesting show. Later in the month, on September 21, Sonny recorded four solos: "Fool's World," "You Never Cared For Me," "For All We Know," and "Blame It On Yourself."

ad for Baby Please Don't GoIn October 1951, Jubilee released "Don't Tell Her What's Happened To Me," backed with "Baby, Please Don't Go." The latter song had been written and recorded by Joe Lee Williams back in 1942. It had spawned (or would spawn) versions by Lightnin' Hopkins, Leroy Dallas, Billy Valentine, Billy Wright, Muddy Waters, and Rose Mitchell, as well as the Orioles, whose version found its way onto the R&B charts for two weeks, peaking at #8.

Also in October, two more of Sonny's solos were issued: "Fool's World"/"For All We Know." They were reviewed the week of November 17, with "For All We Know" receiving a "good" rating, but "Fool's World" coming up only "fair." But the real money was in appearances, and October 17 found the Orioles and Amos Milburn kicking off a package tour of the midwest.

The next Orioles' session was held on November 28, 1951. The four songs recorded were: "How Blind Can You Be," "When You're Not Around," "Waiting," and "My Loved One." The first two of these were paired for a December release.

According to Sonny, George Nelson had a drinking problem, and occasionally didn't make a recording session. Since a trademark of the Orioles was George singing the second bridge, Sonny said that anytime he's not heard, he wasn't at the session. When he didn't show up, Ralph Williams sang the fourth part.


Special thanks to Steve Applebaum, to Tony Barcia (for digging up reviews from the trade papers), and to Ferdie Gonzalez (for his discographical work).

For much more information, please see:
https://www.uncamarvy.com/Orioles/orioles1...