Died On This Date (May 26, 1968) Little Willie John / Early R&B Great

Little Willie John
November 15, 1937 – May 26, 1968

As one of R&B’s unsung heroes, Little Willie John sang with a robust voice and an emotional range that would be cited as an influence by no less than Sam Cooke, James Brown, Jackie Wilson and Al Green. Discovered at the age of 17 by music impresario Johnny Otis, John signed to King Records where he had a run of hits that included “All Around The World,” “I’m Shakin’,” “Sufferin’ With The Blues,” and “Fever,” which would later be huge hits for both Peggy Lee and Elvis Presley. His songs were also covered by the Beatles, Fleetwood Mac, James Brown and the Blasters. His career came to a screeching halt in 1964 when he stabbed a man to death. His notorious bad temper and alcoholism likely played a role in the altercation. John was sent to Washington State Prison where he died of pneumonia in 1968.  Recognition for his contributions to popular music finally came three decades later, when John was elected to the Rock And Roll Hall of Fame in 1996.

What You Should Own

Little Willie John: All 15 of His Chart Hits from 1953-1962 - Little Willie John

Died On This Date (December 8, 1986) Hollywood Fats / Blues Guitarist; Played In The Blasters

Hollywood Fats (Born Michael Mann)
May 17, 1954 – December 8, 1986

Hollywood Fats was a respected Los Angeles blues guitarist who began playing when he was just ten years old.  As a side man, he played with the likes of Canned HeatJohn Lee Hooker, Muddy Waters and Albert King.  Fats also fronted his own band who released an album in 1979.  In 1986, he joined the Blasters, replacing the recently departed Dave Alvin.  Later that year, Hollywood Fats died of a heroin overdose at the age of 32.