Sonny Boy Williamson I

John Lee Williamson was an American blues harmonica player and the first to use the name Sonny Boy Williamson. He was born somewhere near Jackson, Tennessee on March 30, 1914. His original harmonica recordings were considered to be in the country style, but he soon demonstrated skill at making harmonica a lead instrument for blues. He has been called "the father of modern blues harp".

Related Topics:
Blues - Harmonica - Jackson, Tennessee - March 30 - 1914

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His first record "Good Morning, School Girl" was a hit in 1937. He was widely popular throughout the whole southeast US and practically synonymous with the blues harmonica for the next decade. Another well-known song of his is "Shake the Boogie". John Lee's style influenced a number of blues performers, including Billy Boy Arnold, Sonny Terry, and a young Muddy Waters.

Related Topics:
Billy Boy Arnold - Sonny Terry - Muddy Waters

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His music was popular enough that by the 1940s, another blues harp player, Aleck/Alex "Rice" Miller began using the name Sonny Boy Williamson too. John Lee objected to this, though no legal action took place. In 1948, John Lee was tragically killed after a mugging.

Related Topics:
1940s - Aleck/Alex "Rice" Miller

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