The songs of WilliamJames "Willie" Dixon (1915-1992)have beenpopularized by artists such as The Rolling Stones, The Doors, Eric Clapton, Cream, Jimi Hendrixand Led Zeppelin. And way before that, he's been responsible for many of the hit recordings by original blues icons like Muddy Waters, Sonny Boy Williamson, Little Walter and Howlin' Wolf.
Chicago Bluesman Willie Dixon was perhaps best known for his songwriting. He wrote or co-wrote over 500 songs and his songs have been recorded by some of the best-known blues musicians of his era, including Muddy Waters, Magic Sam, Howlin' Wolf, Little Walter and Sonny Boy Williamson. On top of that, he involved himself in the production of their records, selecting the songs and the musicians, overseeing the rehearsals, etc. Later, his songs were popularized by artists like The Rolling Stones, The Doors, Eric Clapton,Cream, Jimi Hendrixand Led Zeppelin, whose "Whole Lotta Love" wasbased on Dixon's "You Need Love" (and they coveredtunes such as "I Can't Quit You Baby" and "You Shook Me"). On this 1970 LP, the quintessential blues songwriter performs his own tunes - each one a classic: "I'm Your Hoochie Coochie Man", "The Little Red Rooster", " Spoonful" and of course "Back Door Man" to name but a few! Long overdue, the album was inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame in 1986, whereas Willie Dixon was posthumously inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1994. Finally receiving recognition for his huge role in shaping modern blues.
|