Biography
Sonny Boy Williamson refers to two influential blues musicians: John Lee Williamson and Rice Miller. John Lee Williamson, born on March 30, 1914, in Jackson, Tennessee, was a pivotal figure in the blues genre. He was known for his harmonica skills and songwriting, becoming a staple in the St. Louis blues scene before contributing to the Chicago blues movement. His first recording, 'Good Morning, School Girl,' released in 1937, marked a shift in the role of harmonica players in blues. Tragically, Williamson’s life was cut short in 1948 due to a violent attack. Rice Miller, born near Glendora, Mississippi, adopted the name Sonny Boy Williamson II after John Lee's death. He was a charismatic performer and one of the greatest harmonica players, known for his poetic compositions and influential recordings like 'Help Me' and 'Eyesight to the Blind.' Miller's career spanned from the 1920s until his death in 1965. Both Sonny Boy Williamsons left a lasting impact on blues music, with their styles influencing generations of musicians. Their legacy includes contributions to the development of blues and its evolution into various sub-genres like blues rock.
Fun Facts
- John Lee Williamson was nicknamed 'Sonny Boy' by his grandmother.
- Rice Miller, or Sonny Boy Williamson II, claimed to have invented the 'Sonny Boy' name, though he adopted it after John Lee Williamson's death.
- Sonny Boy Williamson II was known for his large stature and charismatic stage presence.
Associated Acts
- Sonny Boy Williamson & His Houserockers
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- Yank Rachell - Mandolinist and early collaborator (Performances in Tennessee and Arkansas) [Late 1920s to early 1930s]
Key Collaborators
- Muddy Waters - Frequent collaborator in Chicago blues clubs (Performances in Chicago) [1940s]
- Robert Nighthawk - Guitarist and collaborator in early recordings (Recordings in Aurora, Illinois)
Artists Influenced
- James Cotton - Student and protégé of Sonny Boy Williamson II (Cotton's harmonica style) [1950s-1960s]
- Junior Wells - Influenced by Sonny Boy Williamson's harmonica style (Wells' blues albums) [1950s-1960s]
Connection Network
Discography
Albums
| Title | Release Date | Type |
|---|---|---|
| More Real Folk Blues | 1966-08-03 | Album |
| The Real Folk Blues | 1965-04-09 | Album |
| His Best | 1997-01-01 | Album |
| Down And Out Blues | 1959 | Album |
| The Essential Sonny Boy Williamson | 1993-01-01 | Album |
| I Cross My Heart | 1951-12-13 | Album |
| King Biscuit Time | 1993-01-01 | Album |
| Sonny Boy Williamson & The Yardbirds (Live) | 1965-12-01 | Album |
| His Best | 1997-01-01 | Album |
| Blues Greats: Sonny Boy Williamson | 2011-01-01 | Album |
| Hoodoo & Harmonica - The Voodoo Blues of Sonny Boy | 2025-06-27 | Album |
| Essential Classics, Vol. 188: Sonny Boy Williamson II | 2024-01-12 | Album |
| 45 Blues Hits | 2016-12-20 | Album |
| The Goat - Sonny Boy's Soulful Harmonica Blues | 2023-05-05 | Album |
| The Classic Years, Vol. 4 | 2021-07-01 | Album |
Top Tracks
- Help Me (More Real Folk Blues)
- Bring It On Home (The Real Folk Blues)
- Don't Start Me To Talkin' (His Best)
- Checkin' Up On My Baby - Single Version (The Real Folk Blues)
- Don't Start Me To Talkin' (Down And Out Blues)
- Nine Below Zero - 1961 Single Version (More Real Folk Blues)
- Help Me (His Best)
- Keep It To Yourself (His Best)
- Your Funeral And My Trial (His Best)
- One Way Out - Mono Version (The Real Folk Blues)
External Links
Tags: #2008-universal-fire-victim, #blues, #blues-rock
References
Heard on WWOZ
Sonny Boy Williamson has been played 18 times on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.