johnaalex
- Aug 27
- 4 min read

Wild Love Singles 1952-1961

Dolly Cooper “Wild Love Singles 1952-1961”

Released August 2024 on Jasmine Records Home by Jasmine Records (jasmine-records.co.uk )

Reviewed August 2024

As Dave Penny states in his sleeve note for this CD hard facts are difficult to come by for Thelma “Dolly” Cooper. I have known Dave for many years and I know how thoroughly he does his research so until some other verifiable facts come along, I sticking the story according to Dave. As for the lady in question, she may be the Thelma Cooper who was a “boarder”, aged 2 years 1 month, with Ella M. Jones, aged 46, at 620 Sarah Ann Street, Ward 4, Baltimore City, Maryland, when she was enumerated for the 1920 census . Alternatively she may be the Thelma Cooper, aged 9 in 1930, who was enumerated with her parents, Elliott and Florine (both 24, both married at 20), at 1827 Madison Avenue, Ward 14, Baltimore, Maryland.”

What is certain is that she the music attributed to her in this collection is an interesting mix of style including some good rockers.

Review

Tracks 1 to 3. These tracks are rather melancholy numbers but interesting to listen to as an example of jazz in the late 40’s.

Track 4 - I Wanna’ Know. This has a lot more sass to it with a spoken intro leading to a good stroller. It was recorded in New York and issued on the Savoy label in 1953.

Track 5 – Me and My Baby. From the same session as “I Wanna’ Know” with a similar nice R&B rhythm to get the feet moving.

Track 6 – Alley Cat. I think it’s quite likely this was inspired by Mama Thronton’s “Hound Dog” which was recorded the previous year. Either way hound dogs and alley cats have a place in rock and roll history and so does this track that was issued on Savoy in 1953.

Track 7 – I Need Romance, Another of Dolly’s recordings for Savoy and another mid paced R&B stroller released on Savoy.

Tracks 8 and 9. These both have a slower rhythm and are more bluesy but Dolly handles the vocals well along with some excellent playing from the band and nice backing vocals.

Tracks 10 to 13. Dolly changed her name to Linda Peters for contractual reason when she started recording for the Bihari brothers’ Modern Records label in California. These tracks are fairly standard slow R&B numbers.

Track 14 - You Won’t Trouble Me No More. A good rocking vibe to this track and a great sax break. Recorded in 1955, but not released at the time.

Track 15 – My Man. A very good rocker in the mould of Ruth Brown. A great jiver from 1955.

Track 16 – Ay La Bah. Not as fast as “My Man” but still a good jiver. A great double sider Modern 965.

Tracks 17 to 22. These are mix of ballads and slow blues tracks recorded in 1955 and 56 for the Modern label.

Track 23 Big Rock Inn. This really rocks and so it should with Sam “The Man” Taylor on tenor sax; and Mickey Baker on guitar. This was released on the Dot label in 1956.

Track 24 Tell Me, Tell Me. This was recorded at the same session as “Big Rock Inn” and it must have been some session, this is another great rocker.

Track 25 Time Brings About A Change. This is another heartfelt bluesy ballad.

Track 26 Wild Love. This is a real mover with a country and western touch.

Track 27 My Baby Loves Me. A pop rocker and her final single released in 1961. A duet with former Ink Spot, Duke Gainous and his group.

Summary

The CD is an interesting mix of styles from a lady who didn’t get the commercial success she deserved. Maybe the labels she signed to could have looked after her better the story would have been different. Thanks to Dave Penny and Jasmine Dolly’s work is now available for us all to enjoy

Recommendation

This CD costs less than nine quid and I cannot see a reason not to buy it.

You Tube - https://youtu.be/E8M9lfrP46k

Reviewed By Jailhouse John Alexander

Track List