BABY BOY WARREN J-V-B 78 Shellac Chicken/Baby Boys Blues 1954 DETROIT BLUES RARE
  $   216

 


$ 216   (best offer accepted)   Sold For
Sep 10, 2026 Sold Date
Sep 8, 2026 Start Date
1 Number Of Bids
  USA Country Of Seller
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Description

Original J-V-B Recording Co. 78 RPM, catalog 59, by Baby Boy Warren and His Band, recorded circa 1954 in Detroit, Michigan.


Side A: “Chicken”

Side B: “Baby Boys Blues”


This is a particularly strong small-label Detroit blues record. Baby Boy Warren, born Robert Henry Warren, was one of the leading figures of the Detroit blues scene during the 1950s. J-V-B was the label of Detroit record-store owner and producer Joe Von Battle, whose operation documented an extraordinary amount of Black music in the city during the postwar period.


The session personnel make this record even more interesting:


Baby Boy Warren — vocal & guitar

Sonny Boy Williamson II — harmonica

Washboard Willie — washboard/drums


Discographic research identifies both sides as recorded around 1954 in Detroit. “Chicken” was later known as “Chuc-A-Luck,” while “Baby Boys Blues” is also associated with the title “Bring Me My Machine Gun.” The performances were subsequently reissued on Drummond 3002 in 1956, and “Chicken” later appeared on Excello, but this J-V-B pressing is the scarce original Detroit issue.


Warren had deep roots in the blues. Before settling in Detroit, he had performed in Memphis and reportedly worked in circles that included Howlin’ Wolf, Robert Lockwood Jr. and Sonny Boy Williamson. His J-V-B recordings are among the recordings most closely associated with his mature Detroit sound.


Condition - Fair/Good


This copy shows substantial surface wear, scratches and scuffing from age and play. There is also extensive hand-scratched writing in the dead-wax area.


Both original pale-blue J-V-B labels remain very clean and strongly legible, especially considering the rarity and age of the record.


There appears to be edge damage/chipping at approximately the 12 o’clock position, with what looks like an old clear tape repair or stabilization visible on one side. Hairline crack barely visible - does not affect play. 


J-V-B 59 — Baby Boy Warren and His Band — Detroit, circa 1954


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