Muddy Waters, made the lyrics his own throughout his performing life,however these in your face lyrics, arrangement and style are the work of Willie Dixon. In the film Cadillac Records, Willie Dixon was the narrator of the story. Unfortunately, the film failed to inform us about the sheer genius of this self made songwriter, producer,arranger. Imagine coming from the Mississippi delta ; six siblings, no money, no education, and a criminal record for such crimes as "hoboing". He must have gotten his ambition from his mother who ran a restaurant next to a barrel-house in VIcksburg.
Vicksburg located on the Mississippi river between New Orleans and Memphis has a very strong musical community. Willie was exposed to dixieland and ragtime musicians that performed around town on the street, at picnics, clubs and juke joints. At the young age of twelve Willie was incarcerated for stealing fixtures from a torn down house ( architectural findings) and later arrested in Clarksdale for "hoboing" and sent to the County Farm near the infamous Parchman Farm prison.
No wonder, when Dixon first arrived in Chicago he tried his hands at boxing which won him the 1937 Illinois Golden Gloves. Fortunately for Blues fan he was suspended from boxing. He refused to be drafted into the armed services because he felt Blacks were exploited enough; not unlike Muhammad Ali decades later.
Having performed with Union Jubilee Singers ( gospel) back in Vicksburg he formed a group called the Five Breezes which allowed hm to be recorded vinyl for the first time. Later he would form the Big Three Trio which played in large show clubs rather than local bars and rooms like other blues men of the day (Muddy Waters, Howlin Wolf). Once the BIg Three Trio disbanded Willie Dixon became a full time employee of Chess Records. His name was put on the charts when Muddy Waters first recorded Hoochie Coochie Man in 1954.
One hit after another ; I Just Wanna Make Love to You and I'm Ready topped the charts in 1954. Chess Records was quickly becoming the headquarters for blues and R & B which evolved from the Chicago blues style. Dixon wrote "My Babe" which became a number one hit with Little Walter and would eventually be covered by Everly Brothers, Elvis Presley, Righteous Brothers, Rickey Nelson, IKe & Tina,John Lee Hooker, Bo Diddley and Lightnin' Hopkins.
Eventually Willie left Chess due to disputes over royalties and contracts and signed on with Cobra Records where he produced Otis Rush, Buddy Guy and Magic Sam. It was during this period that the "West Side Sound" was developed; this style emphasized the guitar as lead instrument which modernized the Delta sound. It is most likely that the lead guitar helped to earn the title of "devils music" because it sent young women into hysteria, sensual convulsions and strangers bedrooms.
Of course this was of little consequence when the kundalini was aroused in Black folk after all, what can you expect from those heathens. My grandmother of African descent never failed to inform me about heathen ways( a couple of decades later). She must have seen it coming. However, when this wanton behavior began showing amongst civilized white people in the burbs; well now there's a problem. A serious problem that got Chuck Berry locked up, while Jerry Lee Lewis and Elvis married nubile cousins.
Fortunately, Willie Dixon to busy writing, producing arranging and performing to get carried away with his environment, which is common with genius. During the 60's he formed the Chicago Blues All Stars and toured Europe where he introduced MUddy Waters and others to European audiences. His material was covered by; "Hoochie Coochie Man" Muddy Waters, Eric Burdon, Steppenwolf,Motorhead, Jimi Hendrix; "I'm Ready" Muddy Waters, Aerosmith, Buddy Guy, Eric Burdon, Albert King; "Little Red Rooster" Sam Cooke, Howlin Wolf, Rolling Stones, Yardbirds, Grateful Dead, Doors, Big Mama Thornton, Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers; "Let Me Love You Baby" Stevie Ray Vaughn, Buddy Guy, Jeff Beck, B.B. King, Muddy Waters and the list goes on.
Before Mr. Dixonpassed away in 1992 he managed to sue Chess Records for back royalties and Led Zepplin for copyright infringement and won. He also established Blues Heaven Foundation to help musicians secure rights to their songs, and provide scholarships and musical instruments to poorly funded schools. During the last five years of his life he received a Grammy 1988 for "Hidden Charms", nominated 1989 for "Ginger Ale Afternooons" soundtrack, performed "Don't Tell Me Nothin" in "The Color of Money."
Follow the tradition of Willie Dixon et al, keep Blues alive. Tune in to Yazbowe Blues Cafe on Sundays @ 6:30pm www.blogtalkradio.com/yazboweblues
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