Ed Wills

Biography

Ed Wills is a self-taught blues guitarist, singer, and songwriter born in 1958 and raised in New Orleans, Louisiana. Growing up in the vibrant 'Uptown' area, Wills was immersed in the city's rich musical heritage from an early age. His passion for music was sparked at just eight years old, when his Aunt Cora, a slide guitarist from Tchula, Mississippi, introduced him to the instrument and the expressive power of the blues.

Wills began performing professionally in 1986 after being discovered by Wilson Victorian of the Bayou Renegades, where he played rhythm guitar and sang backup vocals, touring throughout Louisiana. Over the years, he developed a distinctive style rooted in the 'South Louisiana Style Blues,' blending traditional blues with the syncopated rhythms and lively grooves unique to New Orleans. Heavily influenced by local legends and jazz greats, Wills' guitar work is noted for its soulful phrasing and rhythmic complexity. As the leader of his band, Blues 4 $ale, he has become a fixture on Frenchmen and Bourbon Streets, performing regularly at premier New Orleans venues and touring across the U.S., Europe, Canada, and South America.

Wills' music is a celebration of New Orleans' blues tradition, characterized by energetic live performances and a deep respect for the genre's roots. Through his decades-long career, he has contributed to keeping the spirit of New Orleans blues alive, inspiring both audiences and fellow musicians with his authentic sound and dedication to the craft.

Fun Facts

• Ed Wills learned slide guitar from his Aunt Cora in the Mississippi Delta when he was just eight years old.
• He was discovered by Wilson Victorian of the Bayou Renegades in 1986, which launched his professional music career.
• Wills' guitar style is heavily influenced by New Orleans funk and blues legends, including Leo Nocentelli of The Meters and Guitar Slim, Jr.
• His band, Blues 4 $ale, is a staple of the New Orleans live music scene, performing regularly on Frenchmen and Bourbon Streets.

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Aunt Cora - Taught him slide guitar and introduced him to blues at age eight (Early informal instruction) [circa 1966]

Key Collaborators

• Wilson Victorian (Bayou Renegades) - Discovered Wills and brought him into the Bayou Renegades as rhythm guitarist and backup vocalist (Touring and performances with Bayou Renegades) [1986 and following years]
• Blues 4 $ale - Wills' own band, with whom he performs regularly in New Orleans and internationally (Live performances, recordings such as 'Frenchman St.') [1990s–present]

Artists Influenced

• Local New Orleans blues musicians - Inspired by Wills' performances and dedication to the New Orleans blues tradition (Live mentorship and influence through regular gigs and collaborations) [1990s–present]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. Free This Feeling (Take Whatever)
2. What I Would Do (What I Would Do)
3. Brighter (The Way That You Move)
4. Landfall (Landfall)
5. My Number One (Straight Up)
6. Come Back Again (Come Back Again)
7. More Than Just a Fling (More Than Just a Fling)
8. Pull Me Closer (Pull Me Closer)
9. What in the World (Straight Up)
10. A One Way Ticket (The Way That You Move)

External Links

• Spotify