California experienced a phenomenal growth in independent recording in the post-war years, after decades of dominance by the major labels. Millions had flocked there during the war years and they needed entertainment. It all began with 'The GI Sing-sation', Cecil Gant and his 'I Wonder', a Blues ballad that caught the public's imagination. It was also a time for downsizing; the full Johnny Otis Orchestra backed Jimmy Rushing singing 'Jimmy's Round The Clock Blues' but such aggregations quickly broke up and the trend was for small quintets led by the likes of Joe Liggins ('The Honeydripper'), Saunders King ('SK Blues'), Buddy Banks ('Fluffy's Debut'), Jack McVea ('Open The Door Richard') and Roy Milton ('R.M. Blues')........
