The Story
The enigmatic Sonny Boy Williamson II - the man formally known as Rice Miller and Little Boy Blue - overcame controversy surrounding his annexation of John Lee "Sonny Boy" Williamson's name, to become a Blues Legend in his own right. His lasting influence was immeasurable, and he provided inspiration for the next generation of harp players, notably Howlin' Wolf, Little Walter, Junior Wells, James Cotton, etcHe was a welcome, regular visitor to the UK and Europe during the early 1960s. This compilation anthologises his earliest recordings, for Lillian McMurry's Trumpet label, of Jackson, Mississippi. It includes his early regional hits 'Eyesight To The Blind', 'Do It If You Wanta', 'Stop Crying', 'Mighty Long Time', 'Nine Below Zero', 'Mr Down Child', etc. Backing players on these iconic sides include Elmore James, Willie Love, Joe Willie Wilkins and B.B. King.
Description
The enigmatic Sonny Boy Williamson II - the man formally known as Rice Miller and Little Boy Blue - overcame controversy surrounding his annexation of John Lee "Sonny Boy" Williamson's name, to become a Blues Legend in his own right. His lasting influence was immeasurable, and he provided inspiration for the next generation of harp players, notably Howlin' Wolf, Little Walter, Junior Wells, James Cotton, etcHe was a welcome, regular visitor to the UK and Europe during the early 1960s. This compilation anthologises his earliest recordings, for Lillian McMurry's Trumpet label, of Jackson, Mississippi. It includes his early regional hits 'Eyesight To The Blind', 'Do It If You Wanta', 'Stop Crying', 'Mighty Long Time', 'Nine Below Zero', 'Mr Down Child', etc. Backing players on these iconic sides include Elmore James, Willie Love, Joe Willie Wilkins and B.B. King.
