Little Willie John

Died On This Date (August 4, 2012) Johnnie Bassett / Detroit Blues Great

themusicsover August 4, 2012 No Comments

Johnnie Bassett
October 9, 1935 – August 4, 2012

Johnnie Bassett was an American electric blues guitarist, singer and songwriter who, over the course of a career that spanned some 60 years, worked as a band leader as well as an in-demand session player for many of music’s biggest names. The list of those that the self-taught guitarist played with includes B.B.King, T-Bone Walker, John Lee Hooker, Smokey Robinson, and Ruth Brown. After moving from Florida to Detroit during the mid ’40s, Bassett began making a name for himself at area talent shows and backing local singers. After a stint in the Army, he found work back in Detroit as a session player for the great Fortune Records and later, Chess Records. It was while at Chess that Barrett played on The Miracles’ first single, 1958’s “Get A Job.” He eventually found himself in Seattle where he played with Ike & Tina Turner and Little Willie John. He also ran with a young local up-and-coming guitarist by the name of Jimi Hendrix. Bassett landed back in Detroit where, during the mid ’90s, he began releasing his own albums. His last album was the excellent I Can Make That Happen, released just a few weeks before he passed away. Johnnie Bassett died of cancer on August 4, 2012. He was 76.

Thanks to Harold Lepidus for the assist.

What You Should Own

johnnie-bassett-music — Click to find at amazon.com

Musician R&B

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

themusicsover May 26, 2010 4 Comments

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.