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

By themusicsover June 1, 2010 #Allman Brothers, #Eric Clapton, #Grateful Dead, #Jimmie Rodgers, #Junior Wells, #Little Walter, #Muddy Watersm, #Rod Stewart, #Snooky Pryor, #Sonny Boy Williamson, #Steppenwolf, #Van Morrison, #Yardbirds

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.