Sometimes cited as one whose edgy performing style helped to ignite rhythm & blues and eventually led to the rise of rock & roll, Doctor Clayton was an attention-getting vocalist whose sense of humor was best displayed on his initially unissued 1941 recording of "Jitterbug Swing," a lively stomp peppered with exhortations to the pianist like "knock yourself out" and "kill yourself." His best recordings featured instrumental backing by Blind John Davis, Big Bill Broonzy, and string bassist Ransom Knowling, who during one session switched over to the tuba with wonderful results....