Al Dollar & His Ten Cent Band: The Kings of Juke Joint Jump Blues
Al Dollar & His Ten Cent Band are a dynamic American jump blues and rhythm & blues ensemble known for their high-energy live shows and authentic 1950s sound. Hailing from Chicago, Illinois, the band achieved notable success with their 2008 album Dime Store Dynamite, which spent 14 weeks on the Billboard Blues Albums chart.
Early career
Frontman and harmonica virtuoso Al Dollar formed the Ten Cent Band in 1998, uniting a group of seasoned session musicians dedicated to reviving the raw energy of post-war Chicago blues. Their independent debut, Loose Change, was released in 2001 on the small label Barrelhouse Records, quickly establishing a loyal following in Midwest clubs and blues festivals.
Breakthrough
The band's major breakthrough arrived in 2008 after signing with the respected blues and roots label Deluxe Records. Their first release for the label, Dime Store Dynamite, was a critical and commercial success, peaking at number 6 on the Billboard Blues Albums chart and introducing their sound to a global audience.
Key tracks
Nickel Rocket — This driving instrumental from their debut album became an instant setlist staple and a showcase for Dollar's harmonica prowess.
Dime Store Dynamite — The title track of their breakthrough album received extensive blues radio play and defined their signature juke joint shuffle.
Ten Cent Telephone — A 2012 collaboration with vocalist Marla Dixon, this song expanded their reach into the traditional jazz festival circuit.
V-8 Ford Blues — A fan-favorite from their 2015 live album, this track exemplifies the band's gritty, roadhouse-ready energy.
Five & Dime — Featured in the 2019 documentary The Blues: A Chicago Story, this song brought their music to a new generation of listeners.
Throughout the 2010s, Al Dollar & His Ten Cent Band maintained a rigorous touring schedule, performing at major festivals like the Chicago Blues Festival and the Porretta Soul Festival in Italy. Their 2015 album Gasoline & Matches, also on Deluxe Records, solidified their reputation as consistent hitmakers within the blues genre, charting in several European countries.
For fans of Al Dollar & His Ten Cent Band's energetic jump blues style, similar artists featured on our site include Roomful Of Blues, another large ensemble known for their horn-driven rhythm and blues. Little Charlie & The Nightcats share a similar blend of humor, swing, and virtuosic musicianship. The raw Chicago spirit can also be found in the work of Billy Branch, a master harmonica player and keeper of the blues flame.
The music of Al Dollar & His Ten Cent Band is a regular feature on classic blues FM stations and dedicated online blues radio streams. Their upbeat, danceable tracks are frequently programmed on independent music radio stations specializing in American roots music, ensuring their jump blues sound continues to reach enthusiastic audiences worldwide.
Listeners can discover the vibrant jump blues of Al Dollar & His Ten Cent Band on radio stations featured right here on onairium.com. Tune in to hear their chart-topping albums and live favorites across a curated selection of blues and roots music stations available on our platform.
