Sonny Boy Williamson I, born John Lee Curtis Williamson on March 30, 1914, in Jackson, Tennessee, is recognized as one of the pioneering forces of American blues, particularly the harmonica-led Delta blues genre. His mastery of the instrument earned him the nickname "The Father of the Modern Blues Harp." Williamson's innovative style and upon moving to Chicago in the mid-1930s, he became a prominent figure on the blues scene, recording with Bluebird Records and performing with other blues legends such as Big Joe Williams and Robert Johnson.

Sonny Boy Williamson I's influence can be heard in the work of many subsequent harmonica players. His recording career was prolific, yielding standards like "Shake the Boogie," "You Better Cut That Out," and "Good Morning, School Girl," a track that would become a blues standard covered by countless artists. Tragically, his life and career were cut short when he was murdered during a robbery on June 1, 1948. However, his legacy lives on through the voluminous recordings he left behind, including the posthumous compilations such as "The Bluebird Recordings 1937-1938" and "Sonny Boy Williamson Vol. 1 (1937 - 1938)", which showcase the formative years of his contribution to the blues genre. Despite the confusion with a later blues musician who adopted the same stage name (Sonny Boy Williamson II, aka Aleck "Rice" Miller), Williamson I's work remains a foundational stone in the edifice of American blues music.

Genres

Chicago Blues

Country Blues

Harmonica Blues

Traditional Blues

Latest Release

Lord Have Mercy

Sonny Boy Williamson I

Album - 40 Tracks - Released May 28, 2015