(NOTE: Not to be confused with [A=Sonny Boy Williamson (2)] (Aleck Rice Miller), who recorded for Trumpet in 1951-1954, and for Checker/Chess from 1955. This artist also made recordings in Europe, some accompanied by blues rock groups
The Animals and
The Yardbirds.)
American blues harmonica player, singer and songwriter.
Born: 30 March 1914, Jackson, Tennessee, USA,
Died: 1 June 1948, Chicago, Illinois, USA
Often referred to as the father of modern blues harp. He recorded for Bluebird and Victor 1937-1947. Already during his lifetime
Sonny Boy Williamson (aka
Rice Miller) were performing in the South as Sonny Boy Williamson, but as far as is known John Lee Williamson never contested this appropriation of his name.
His popular songs, original or adapted, include Good Morning, School Girl, Sugar Mama, Early in the Morning, and Stop Breaking Down.
John Lee Williamson died in a street mugging on Chicago’s notorious South Side.
He was buried at his birthplace, at the former site of The Blairs Chapel Church, south-west of Jackson.