Died On This Date (May 26, 1968) Little Willie John / Early R&B Great
themusicsover 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
Sam Cooke was one of soul music’s most respected and influential artists. Over a career that spanned just seven years, he placed almost thirty songs on the Top 40 charts. More than that, Cooke was a savvy businessman and was a visible participant in the Civil Rights movement. His hits included “A Change is Gonna Come,” “You Send Me,” “Twistin’ the Night Away,” and “Chain Gang.” Cooke first came to prominence in 1950 as the singer for the influential gospel group, the Soul Stirrers. By the mid ’50s, he began releasing crossover pop records, and in 1961, he started his own record company, SAR Records, which soon signed the likes of 
