Biography
Lil' Ed Williams, born April 8, 1955, in Chicago's West Side, grew up immersed in the city's vibrant blues scene, particularly influenced by his uncle, J.B. Hutto, a renowned slide guitarist. Starting on guitar, drums, and bass by age 12, Ed received direct lessons from Hutto, who taught him everything he knows about slide guitar and vocals. Alongside his half-brother James 'Pookie' Young, Ed formed the first version of the Blues Imperials in 1975 with guitarist Dave Weld, debuting at Big Duke’s Blue Flame club for a $6 tip split four ways. Balancing day jobs—Ed as a car wash buffer and Pookie as a school bus driver—they gigged relentlessly in West Side clubs.
Their breakthrough came in 1986 when Alligator Records' Bruce Iglauer invited them for a compilation session. Treating the studio like a club, they recorded 30-33 songs in three hours with no overdubs and only one second take, leading to a full album deal. Their debut Roughhousin’ earned rave reviews from the New York Times and Village Voice, Blues Music Award nominations, and launched a career with nine Alligator albums through 2012. The core lineup solidified in 1989 with guitarist Mike Garrett and drummer Kelly Littleton, creating a tight unit delivering energetic boogie blues.
Known for their 'Genuine Houserocking Music,' infectious live shows, and over 35-40 years together, Lil' Ed & The Blues Imperials embody Chicago's West and South Side blues traditions. Inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame, they've toured globally, appeared on Conan O’Brien, and maintained a loyal 'Ed Heads' fanbase, with Williams' swirling slide guitar and the band's boogie rhythms defining their modern blues rock style.
Fun Facts
- Recorded 30-33 songs in just three hours for their debut session in 1986, with no overdubs and only one second take, turning a compilation invite into a full album deal.
- Earned $6 for their first gig in 1975 at Big Duke’s Blue Flame, splitting it four ways among band members.
- Named the Blues Imperials after a TV commercial for Imperial margarine.
- Quit his car wash job after the debut album Roughhousin’ success in 1986.
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- J.B. Hutto - Uncle, primary teacher and stylistic influence on slide guitar and vocals (Direct lessons shaping Lil' Ed's style) [1950s-1970s]
Key Collaborators
- James 'Pookie' Young - Half-brother and longtime bassist, core band member (All albums since 1975, including Roughhousin’ (1986)) [1975-present]
- Mike Garrett - Rhythm guitarist, joined core lineup (All albums since 1989, e.g., Chicken, Gravy & Biscuits) [1987/1989-present]
- Kelly Littleton - Drummer, recruited by Garrett, core member (All albums since late 1980s) [1988-present]
- Dave Weld - Early guitarist in first iteration (Formed band in 1975, left mid-1980s) [1975-mid 1980s]
External Links
References
Heard on WWOZ
Lil Ed & The Blues Imperials has been played 2 times on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.