Louis Jordan started recording in 1929 with The Jungle Band and last recorded in 1973 for the My Jazz label.  His biggest hits were recorded as Louis Jordan and his Tympany 5 on the Decca label between 1938 and 1954.  These recordings are all choice and are easily available.  After the musical “Five Guys Moe” appeared first in England and then in the US, there was a veritable explosion of Jordan reissues on both sides of the Atlantic.  Unfortunately, audiences in his own country did not respond to the musical with the great enthusiasm of their British counterparts, so the fountain of releases dried up.  However, along with the recent resurgence of swing has come a resurgence of the music of its hippest purveyor, Mr. Jordan.

This list is by no means meant to be complete.  New reissues arrive monthly as old ones jump to the cut out bins.  This page is meant to be a guide to good, easily available reissues. 

LOUIS 101

“The Best of Louis Jordan” MCA - 20 essential Decca hits

“Five Guys Named Moe” MCA - the rest of the best of Decca (be careful; there are a number of releases named “Five Guys Named Moe”; make sure it’s the MCA release}

The two releases above are the creme de Jordan.  If you prefer just jump tunes and no ballads try:

"Let The Good Times Roll: The Anthology 1938-1953" MCA - 2 discs of Decca recordings.

 “Let The Good Times Roll" - The Complete Decca Recordings 1938 - 1954” Bear Family - Just like it says, everything Louis recorded for Decca!  9 CD’s.  A big booklet with text by Peter Grendysa, pictures, and discography.  For the true believer and worth every penny.

"Jivin' With Jordan" Proper - 102 Decca era reordings for a sweet price.

"Louis Jordan and His Tympany 5" JSP -131 Decca era recordings.  Dirt cheap.