These two mid-line reissues (part of a 10-CD series) are especially of interest to New Orleans R&B buffs. The centerpiece on the Price collection is “Lawdy Miss Clawdy,” with Fats Domino and Dave Bartholomew’s band backing, but the album is full of straight-ahead, pounding, early New Orleans R&B at its very best, not too dissimilar to what Domino, Professor Longhair and Smiley Lewis were recording at the time. Price was just a teenager when these tracks were cut, but he shows an emotive voice that sounds like his heart had already been broke a dozen times. Unfortunately, Price was drafted and sent to Korea after a handful of Specialty releases, which likely meant a lot of great R&B didn’t get recorded. Pity.

Considered “The Bad Boy of Rock ’n’ Roll,” Williams was Price’s valet and occasional piano player. He was signed to Specialty in 1957 and covered Price’s “Personality,” but his major influence was Little Richard, as “Bony Moronie,” “Short Fat Fannie” and Dizzy Miss Lizzy” demonstrate. In fact, Williams was groomed by Specialty to replace Little Richard when the latter traded rock ’n’ roll for bible school. But it wasn’t to be. Williams made some pretty decent records up until the mid-1960s, but he eventually lost interest in show business, finding pimping more lucrative. While the 14-track collections are budget releases, there’s no skimping on packaging here as these contain rare photos and extensive liner notes. Both of these are highly recommended.