Biography
Willie Cobbs (July 15, 1932 – October 25, 2021) was an influential American blues singer, harmonica player, and songwriter, best known for penning the classic 'You Don't Love Me.' Born in Smale, Monroe County, Arkansas, Cobbs grew up surrounded by gospel music and received harmonicas from his father each Christmas, but only began playing blues seriously after moving to Chicago in the late 1940s. There, he immersed himself in the vibrant club scene, performing with notable musicians such as Little Walter and Eddie Boyd, and honing his craft on Maxwell Street, a legendary blues hub.[1][3][6]
Cobbs' career took off in 1960 with the recording of 'You Don't Love Me,' a song that would become a blues standard and be covered by a wide array of artists across genres, including the Allman Brothers Band, Junior Wells, and Dawn Penn, whose reggae version became an international hit decades later. Despite never achieving the same commercial success with subsequent singles, Cobbs remained a respected figure in the blues community, recording for various labels, running nightclubs in Arkansas and Mississippi, and performing at major festivals such as the King Biscuit Blues Festival and the Chicago Blues Festival. His later years saw him release albums like 'Down to Earth' and 'Jukin',' and he continued to perform and record well into his eighties, cementing his legacy as a vital link in the evolution of blues music.[1][2][3]
Cobbs' musical style was rooted in classic blues, characterized by his expressive harmonica playing and soulful vocals. His songwriting often reflected the struggles and wit of everyday life, as seen in his response to James Brown's 'Say It Loud – I'm Black and I'm Proud' with his own 'Sing It Low – I'm Black and I'm Poor.' Cobbs' enduring influence is evident in the many artists who have drawn from his work, ensuring his place in the annals of American music history.[1][2][3]
Fun Facts
- Cobbs' signature song 'You Don't Love Me' was the basis for Dawn Penn's reggae hit 'You Don't Love Me (No, No, No),' which became a global sensation in 1994.
- He once responded to James Brown's 'Say It Loud – I'm Black and I'm Proud' with his own witty song 'Sing It Low – I'm Black and I'm Poor.'
- Cobbs operated several blues nightclubs in Arkansas and Mississippi during the 1970s and 1980s, supporting the local music scene.
- He appeared in the 1991 film 'Mississippi Masala,' performing his own songs, and made other film and television appearances in the 1990s.
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- Little Walter - Performed together in Chicago clubs; influenced Cobbs' harmonica style. (Live club performances) [1950s]
- Eddie Boyd - Band leader and collaborator in Chicago; Cobbs played harmonica in Boyd's band. (Live performances, Boyd's 1958 Oriole single) [1950s]
- Jimmy Reed - Major stylistic influence on Cobbs' harmonica playing and vocal delivery. (Influence noted during Vee-Jay audition) [1950s]
Key Collaborators
- Eddie Boyd - Band leader; Cobbs played harmonica and bass on recordings. (Boyd's 1958 Oriole single, Eddie's 1961 Mojo 45) [1950s-1960s]
- Billy Lee Riley - Produced and recorded Cobbs' breakout single 'You Don't Love Me.' ('You Don't Love Me' (1960)) [1960]
- Sammy Lawhorn - Guitarist in Cobbs' band during the recording of 'You Don't Love Me.' ('You Don't Love Me' (1960)) [1960]
- Johnny Rawls - Produced Cobbs' album 'Down to Earth.' ('Down to Earth' (1994)) [1994]
- Willie Mitchell - Produced Cobbs' album 'Jukin'' with the Hi Rhythm Section. ('Jukin'' (2000)) [2000]
Artists Influenced
- The Allman Brothers Band - Covered 'You Don't Love Me' on their landmark live album, making it a staple of blues-rock. ('Live at Fillmore East' (1971)) [1971]
- Dawn Penn - Adapted 'You Don't Love Me' into the reggae classic 'You Don't Love Me (No, No, No),' achieving international success. ('You Don't Love Me (No, No, No)' (1994)) [1994]
- Junior Wells - Recorded a notable cover of 'You Don't Love Me,' helping to keep the song in the blues repertoire. ('You Don't Love Me' (Delmark, 1965)) [1965]
- Numerous blues and rock artists - Song 'You Don't Love Me' covered by artists such as Booker T. & the M.G.'s, Ike & Tina Turner, Albert King, Sonny & Cher, Luther Allison, Dr. Feelgood, Gary Moore, John P. Hammond, and R.L. Burnside. (Various covers) [1960s–1990s]
Connection Network
Discography
Albums
| Title | Release Date | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Butler Boy Blues | 2019-06-07 | Album |
| Jukin' | 2000-05-16 | Album |
Top Tracks
- You Don't Love Me (Fernwood Rhythm 'N' Blues From Memphis)
- Kiss Me One more time (Fernwood Rhythm 'N' Blues From Memphis)
- I'll Love Only You (Best of Soul Blues)
- Don't Worry About Me (South Side Of Soul Street: The Minaret Soul Singles 1967-1976)
- You don't Love me (Rockin' Rhythm 'n' Blues from MEMPHIS)
- I'll Love Only You (South Side Of Soul Street: The Minaret Soul Singles 1967-1976)
- You Don't Love Me (You Don't Love Me)
- You're so hard to Please (Rockin' Rhythm 'n' Blues from MEMPHIS)
- You Have Done Me Wrong (Blue Diamonds: Southern Soul Gems)
- My Little Girl (Fernwood Rhythm 'N' Blues From Memphis)
External Links
References
Heard on WWOZ
WILLIE COBBS has been played 2 times on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.
| Date | Time | Title | Show | Spotify |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 9, 2026 | 14:01 | Dont Worry About Mefrom RICELAND 45 | The Blues Breakdown | |
| Nov 17, 2025 | 15:24 | Don't Worry About Mefrom THE SOUTH SIDE OF SOUL STREET: THE MINARET SINGLES | Blues Eclecticw/ Andrew Grafe |