The Music's Over

but the songs live on forever

Blues Musician Singer

Died On This Date (June 1, 1948) Sonny Boy Williamson I / Blues Great

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John “Sonny Boy” Williamson
March 30, 1914 – June 1, 1948

Not to be confused with Rice “Sonny Boy Williamson II” Miller, another blues harmonica player, Sonny Boy Williamson was by all accounts the first on the scene to use the Sonny Boy moniker. As one of the most popular blues artists of his generation, Williamson was an influence on the likes of Junior Wells, Snooky Pryor, and Little Walter, as well as several non-harmonica players including Muddy Waters and even Jimmie Rodgers. He was both band leader and sideman during his career, mostly recording for the legendary Bluebird Records label. And his biggest hit “Good Morning Little Schoolgirl” is one of the most covered song of the era, having been re-recorded by such artists as Eric Clapton, the Allman Brothers, the Grateful Dead, Steppenwolf, Van Morrison, Rod Stewart, Muddy Waters, and perhaps most famously, the Yardbirds. Sadly, as he was walking home from a gig near his home on Chicago’s south side, Williamson was killed during a random mugging.

What You Should Own

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Sonny Boy Williamson Vol. 1 (1937 - 1938) - Sonny Boy Williamson

Blues Musician Singer Songwriter

Died On This Date (April 30, 1983) Muddy Waters / Blues Icon

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Muddy Waters (Born McKinley Morganfield)
April 4, 1914 – April 30, 1983

Although he was born in Mississippi, Muddy Waters is considered the Father of Chicago Blues.  By electrifying the delta blues of his youth, Waters almost singlehandedly influenced the British blues explosion of the ’60s.  Acts like the Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin and Cream might not have been born if it weren’t for Muddy Waters. By the early 1950s, Waters, along with his sidemen, Little Walter and Howlin’ Wolf were the biggest draw in Chicago, and in 1958, he set out to conquer the UK, who until that point had only known the acoustic blues of the likes of  Sonny Terry and Brownie McGhee.  In doing so, Waters sparked a musical revolution.  Waters died in his sleep of natural causes on April 30, 1983.

What You Should Own

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Muddy Waters: The Definitive Collection - Muddy Waters

Blues Musician Singer

Died On This Date (January 15, 1998) Junior Wells / Chicago Blues Legend

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Junior Wells (Born Amos Blakemore)
December 9, 1934 – January 15, 1998

Junior Wells was one of the premiere bluesmen of the Chicago scene during the ’50s and ’60s.  After moving from Arkansas to Chicago in 1948, Wells landed his first significant gig when he was hired to replace Little Walter on harmonica in Muddy Waters’ band.  In 1953, Wells began cutting his own records for the States label and later, Chief and Profile.  Over the course of his career he released such great recordings as “Messin’ With the Kid,” “It Hurts Me Too,” and “Little By Little.”  During the ’60s, Wells began collaborating with Buddy Guy, appearing on several of each others’ records. And it was during this time that a handful of his recordings were included on Vanguard Records’ Chicago/The Blues/Today! series, which is credited for introducing Chicago blues to white America.  In 1997, Wells was diagnosed with cancer.  While receiving treatment, he suffered a heart attack, and went into a coma, from which he never recovered.  Junior Wells was 65 when he passed away on January 15, 1998.

What You Should Own

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Chicago / The Blues / Today!, Vol. 1 - Junior Wells, J.B. Hutto And His Hawks & Otis Spann's South Side Piano

Blues Musician Singer Songwriter

Died On This Date (October 8, 2009) Abu Talib / Bluesman; Played With Ray Charles

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Abu Talib (Born Freddy Robinson)
February 24, 1939 – October 8, 2009

Photo by Tony Berg

Freddy Robinson, who changed his name to Abu Talib when he converted to Islam during the ’70s, was a blues singer, songwriter, guitarist and harmonica player.  Very diverse in his playing, Talib was comfortable in both blues and jazz combos.  During the ’50s and ’60s, he worked with Howlin’ Wolf, Little Walter and Jimmy Rogers.  In the ’70s and ’80s, he played with the likes of Stanley Turrentine, Bobby “Blue” Bland, John Mayall and Blue Mitchell.  He also played with Ray Charles.  Abu Talib died of cancer at the age of 70.



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