Ella Mae Morse & Freddie Slack - The House Of Blue Lights (audio 1946)

Ella backed by Freddie Slack And His Orchestra.
"The House of Blue Lights" is a boogie-woogie-style song co-written by Don Raye and Freddie Slack, first recorded in 1946 by Freddie Slack And His Orchestra with vocalist Ella Mae Morse. The track is notable for its upbeat rhythm and "hipster"-style spoken introduction, reflecting the slang and cultural nuances of the 1940s.
Released as a single by Capitol Records, the song achieved commercial success, reaching number eight on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Its popularity led to numerous cover versions by various artists over the years, including the Andrews Sisters, Chuck Miller, Chuck Berry, Jerry Lee Lewis and others.
Ella Mae Morse, known for her versatility across pop, jazz, and R&B genres, collaborated frequently with Freddie Slack. Their rendition of "The House of Blue Lights" is considered one of their standout performances, contributing to the song's enduring legacy in American music history.
The song's influence is evident in its continued presence in popular culture and its adoption by various artists across different musical styles.

Ella Mae Morse (September 12, 1924 – October 16, 1999) was an American singer renowned for her dynamic vocal style that seamlessly blended jazz, blues, country, and early rock and roll. Born in Mansfield, Texas, she began her professional career remarkably early, joining Jimmy Dorsey's orchestra at just 14 years old. However, upon discovering her true age, Dorsey had to let her go.
At 17, Morse's career took a significant turn when she joined pianist Freddie Slack's band. Their 1942 collaboration on "Cow-Cow Boogie" became Capitol Records' first gold record, catapulting Morse into the national spotlight. Her subsequent solo career was marked by hits like "Shoo-Shoo Baby," "The House of Blue Lights," and "The Blacksmith Blues," the latter reaching number three on the Billboard chart in 1952 and selling over a million copies.
Morse's versatility was both a hallmark and a challenge; her ability to perform across genres made her difficult to categorize in an industry that often preferred clear labels. This genre-blending approach, however, positioned her as a pioneer in the evolution of American popular music, influencing the development of rock and roll.
Though she ceased recording in 1957, Morse continued to perform live into the 1990s. In recognition of her contributions to music, she was awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1960. She passed away in Bullhead City, Arizona, in 1999 at the age of 75.

Freddie Slack (August 7, 1910 – August 10, 1965) was an influential American pianist and bandleader, renowned for his contributions to the swing and boogie-woogie genres during the 1930s and 1940s. Born in Westby, Wisconsin, Slack began his musical journey as a drummer before transitioning to the piano at age 13. After moving to Chicago in 1927, he studied at the American Conservatory of Music and was influenced by jazz greats like Bix Beiderbecke and Earl "Fatha" Hines.
In the 1930s, Slack played with prominent bands, including those of Ben Pollack and Jimmy Dorsey. He gained significant recognition as a member of the Will Bradley Orchestra, where his boogie-woogie piano style was showcased in hits like "Beat Me Daddy, Eight to the Bar."
In 1942, Slack formed his own band and signed with the newly established Capitol Records. His recording of "Cow Cow Boogie," featuring 17-year-old vocalist Ella Mae Morse, became Capitol's first gold single and a number-one hit. Slack continued to collaborate with Morse on other successful tracks, including "The House of Blue Lights," co-written with Don Raye.
Throughout his career, Slack recorded extensively, both as a bandleader and as an accompanist for artists like Big Joe Turner, Johnny Mercer, and Margaret Whiting. His 1955 album "Boogie Woogie on the 88," featuring arrangements by Benny Carter and performances by jazz musicians such as Shorty Sherock and Herbie Harper, is among his notable works.
Freddie Slack passed away in Hollywood, Los Angeles, in 1965. His innovative piano techniques and contributions to boogie-woogie and swing music have left a lasting impact on American jazz history.