FEVER: Little Willie John's Fast Life, Mysterious Death, & The Birth Of Soul
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 20 ม.ค. 2012
- "Little Willie John is the soul singer's soul singer." -- Marvin Gaye
"My mother told me, if you call yourself 'Little' Stevie Wonder, you'd better be as good as Little Willie John." -- Stevie Wonder
Little Willie John was induced into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1996. Before Marvin Gaye, Jackie Wilson, The Temptations, Levi Stubbs and The Four Tops and The Supremes there was John. He is best known for his hit "Fever" which has been covered by Beyonce and Peggy Lee. The Beatles covered his song "Leave My Kitten Alone." The legendary H. B. Barnum, says, "In bad voice, he could out-sing anybody." Barnum should know having been Aretha Franklin's musical director for nearly three decades.
Little Willie John lived for a fleeting 30 years, but his dynamic and daring sound left an indelible mark on the history of music. His deep blues, rollicking rock 'n' roll, and swinging ballads inspired a generation of musicians, forming the basis for what we now know as soul music.
The soaring heights of Little Willie John's career are matched only by the tragic events of his death, cutting short a life so full of promise. Charged with a violent crime in the late 1960s, an abbreviated trial saw Willie convicted and incarcerated in Walla Walla Washington, where he died under mysterious circumstances in 1968.
In this, the first official biography of one of the most important figures in rhythm & blues history, author Susan Whitall, with the help of Little Willie John's eldest son Kevin John, has interviewed some of the biggest names in the music industry and delved into the personal archive of the John family to produce an unprecedented account of the man who invented soul music. - เพลง
Keith John is one of Stevie Wonder’s longtime Great Backup Singers!🙏🏾❤️💐🎤🎼
Wow…and Keith John is the one that sings in the movie School Daze…I can only be me
Never heard of him before today after watching Ashleysaysso video but its heartwarming to see his sons advocate for their father all the years after his transition. God bless.
My favorite song of Little Willie John is " Talk to me, Talk to me ".
This great artist had time to have two fine sons. A worthwhile life.
Thanks! :)
I'm so happy that his children are carrying on his legacy.
Thanks! 😉
Fosho
I still listen too him
Glad to hear it! 😊
Very nice to hear after ... all these Years! 😄
Heard Willie before, but usually on compilations of the era and genre(s), but today I LISTENED! I now definitely have him in the top notch level of legends. I was very impressed with this album, and will certainly find the whole collection. Little Richard, Solomon Burke, Ray Charles, and ALL names - Sam Cooke, of course. Willie was as good. Thanks to the interviewees here, but huge thanks to Willie......
Thanks for the nice reply! 😉
Willie's children are very intelligent. Interesting story.
Thank you for your kind comments! I hope that you enjoy our book about about my dad ... "FEVER" available @ Amazon.com. If you've already read it, please write a review at the Amazon.com web site (reviews) :)
Thanks, again! ;)
Thanks!!!
LWJ & Johnny Ace paved the way for Sam Cooke, Ray Charles, Johnny Mathis, Nat King Cole, & James Brown.
Thanks for the comment! Please check out the reviews of the book on Amazon.com!
Keith is my brother . . . Hope you will get the book . . . "FEVER" Little Willie John
We just saw Cincinnati King , a play how about King records and of course, Little Willie John. And at the end of the show they mentioned about his two sons. Killer!
Peter, thanks! We've (the family) heard many positive things about the show in general. Nice to see that the King Records legacy has not been total forgotten! Many have worked hard to insure that the rich history of King Records is passed on to a New generation. This also means that the musical legacy of my dad (Little Willie John) will also continue to be shared with a NEW generation! :)
Such handsome sons and this was a phenomenal interview with many facts about Little Willie John that I never knew.🎼🖤
Glad you enjoyed the interview!
NO REGRETS MY FAVORITE,I LOVE HIS SOULFUL VOICE NOBODY HAS IT THESE DAYS,THE 50'S AND 60'S BEAT ANY GAGA OR ANY OF THIS GARBAGE MUSIC TODAY.AMEN WILLIE REST IN PERFECTION
Thank you for this upload! I still have and Cherish my Signed by Little Williw John 45" of I'm Shakin' my brother got in Detroit and later gave me as a birthday Present. Wish he were still here performing. Thank you so much to his sons, Gentlemen both. Carrying on their fathers' legacy & letting the world know just how great LWJ was and how much music and listners should thank him!
You are more than welcome! Thanks for your nice comments. I'm Shakin' is one of my favorites too!
If you have not already, please check out the book, available on Amazon.com www.amazon.com/Fever-Little-Willie-Mysterious-Death-ebook/dp/B004ZZNNOG/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=
I grew up listening to Little Willie John, my Mother played all the good music back then. I'm in love with the 50's & 60's, music sounds. I bought records starting in junior high school mid-50's, I'm still so in love with Great, Great music like LWJ, Jackie Wilson etc. They have a sound like no one else. I play the records today, just like I have throughout my life. The songs are so uplifting and just gives me energy like I'm on a natural high that I can't get from a pill. These songs keep me off of the depression list. Like Little Stevie Wonder sings, " I'm more than happy I'm satisfied. I have no need to listen to today's music, it doesn't have the meaning, etc like the Great people that started it. It's plastic music sounds today, they do have a few here and there, that have true talent but it's far in between. Thanks You Tube for the work involved in keeping great memories alive for myself and many others. Verline
Thanks for the kind words ... Glad that LWJ music has a good affect on you!
Have you read the book? Read the reviews on Amazon.com ... then if you're interested ... pick up a copy ...
It's available on Hardback and Kindle!
Thanks again!
Kajun John
R.I.P. LWJ! I wished he was still around. He had a voice bigger than the world trade center
WOW ... that's BIG!!! :)
Thanks soooooo much for this video, I love Little Willie John
You're welcome! Please check out the book! :)
syd nathan
king records
the best producer ever
little willie john a cottage for sale , autumn leaves
oh my god, what a voice
Little Richard mentions him in his movie!!!!
Little Willie John's " A Cottage for Sale" is BEAUTIFUL!! That song made me a fan of his. LWJ is one of the greatest vocalists that lived in this life. Interesting interview! I definitely want to read this book on his life.❤️🎤🎶
@nataliebrownbrown3992 ...Billy Eckstine's version of "A Cottage For Sale" was a huge hit in the 'forties.
l remember listening to Little Willie John as a little girl in Leland, MS. His song delivery was so emotional and heartfelt that he sound as if he was telling you a story of his love for someone and asking her to belive in their love and not listen to those who wanted to break up the love they had for each other. His song titles told his story of love: Talk to me, , Let them talk, Fever, If grits aint grocery, eggs aint poetry then Mona Lisa was a man, , Sing, sing, sing and Fever. l didnt know he was from Detroit until l came here to live and songs from my past growing up in Leland, MS started sparking my interest. l've only heard a few African American men to sing with such love and passion you could feel. Ronnie Dyson comes to mind with I JUST WANT TO BE THERE. There is another singer of the late 70s whose song and name l just can not recall. Little Willie John is in a lane of his own. His music should be played regularly and made known again. RIP talented one
Thanks for your KIND comments! :)
Mr. John was such a cutie pie and we still miss him. Fever got me hooked when I was real little, in grade school.
No one has ever been able to out sing, Little Willie John. His voice still resenates in my mind. I had the privilege of meeting him at the Apollo Theater and he was a perfect gentleman. He was a free spirit, a genius and very much misunderstood for his time. He was the best and always will be. Frankie Lemon and Ronnie Dyson come to mind immediately.
In behalf of the John family, I'd like to Thank You so much for your kind words about my father! :)
I agree
I agree Joyce although I am guessing you meant to say Frankie Lymon, not Lemon.
I definitely meant Frankie Lymon, thank you for catching the typo.
@@joycevanhook3049 Thanks Joyce and you may not know this ( I did not know this at first either), but you are able to edit your first comment (or any comment or reply you post on TH-cam) by clicking on the three little dots at the upper right side of your comment and correcting the typo or to make any other changes you want.
I appreciate this enlightenment. Had to share this with my peers. I hail from George Benson land Pittsburgh. Many of us love Detroit and realize what people are up against politically and that suppresses the truth far too often. The Pacific northwest is populated by the wealthiest people in this country, needless to say what they are against. Condolences albeit late. I shall purchase the book soon. Blessed.
Thanks for the nice comments ... PLEASE let me know what you think of the book! ;)
thank Otis Blackwell for writing fever.
Hecklers , bullies are to blame for all of this.... what a shame !!!
Keith's talent certainly warrants a Solo project.
He's talented, dynamic ,,, and such a humble, likable human being.
Thanks for your comments ShangoJamal
Thank you for your genuine heartfelt expressions!
We're on a mission to educate the music public about this artist that all music lovers SHOULD know! ;)
LWJ was gone speedy like a comete I pray that GOD has mercy on his soul and his offspring it was a great and famous Pioneer and precursor of the R and B,rockn roll and blues RIP LWJ
Thanks~
I'm shaking is one of the best soul songs ive ever heard. Thankyou for recording it sir.
Little Willie John was a truly great vocalist. I remember all his great King Records singles. His "Suffering With The Blues" is nothing short of amazing.
Thanks! 😆
James brown soul brother no. 1 never abandon him
Thank you sooo much! We continue to do all that we can to promote the book and my father's music and his legacy. It helps having people like yourself who continue to speak positively about my father, though he's been gone for so many years.We are trying to introduce him to a brand NEW audience by trying to get the TV Show UNSUNG to do a LWJ story. Please continue to tell your friend about LWJ. You can vote for UNSUNG at the LWJ UNSUNG Facebook page! would greatly appreciate your support. :)
That's a fabulous idea!
just finished the book! very good
@@sheldontaylor2002 Thanks Sheldon for the positive feedback! We are still working hard to keep his legacy alive!
The CNN special about Marvin Gaye (What's Going On) just aired last night! One of Marvin Gaye's favorite singers was Little Willie John! Stevie Wonder (also featured in the CNN special) was also influenced by LWJ! We have a quote in the book by Marvin: "Little Willie John is the soul singer's soul singer." Quite a quote by someone who knew a little something about singing! As you know (since you've read the book) Stevie Wonder wrote the Foreword for the book. Thanks again! :)
I wish they could got a film of their father performing
@@anthonysmith8210 we wish so too! We've been searching for years! Even the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, with their tremendous reach and contacts were unable to find one! We are still hopeful that One Day ... 😉 Thank you for your post!
Little Willie John sits up there in Soul Heaven beside Sam Cooke, Jackie Wilson, Clyde McPhatter, Little Jimmy Scott, Frankie Lymon and other legends as one of the greatest voices in American music history. The fact that he only lived 30 years, yet has left such an amazing impression on all who were blessed to hear his angelic voice, is a testament to his greatness as an artist. I am so happy to have been exposed to Little Willie and I play his records all the time, and love all that he sang, Let Them Talk, Talk to Me, Tell it Like it IS, Need Your Love so Bad and so many more! Little Willie John lives on!!
Thank you soo much for your kind words!
My mother is 88. When I was a little child I remember her playing his records over and over. She still listens to them all these years later and so do I. We all love the music of our youth. Wonderful music.
hey uncle keith. It's Sister Jennifer Torres. Auntie Cathy's and Trina's study!!! Loved these videos!!!!
Little Willie John would be proud of his handsome sons.
We are proud of his musical legacy! So much so that, we want to share it with as many as possible!
Thank you for you kind comment! :)
I was about to close out and came back and caught this. Okay, I will. I loved Little Willie John since I could open my eyes and ears to music. Thanks.
Fever!!!!!!! That was the name of our singing group in Redford High. 92-96. Members: David John, me, Mario Dewberry, Ifeanyi Onumonu and Jason Hall. I was the only one to get "FEVER" tattooed on my arm. Little Willie John.. Forever!!!!!
LWJ, What a voice! What a talent! I remember seeing this great singer at the Royal Theatre in my hometown of Baltimore in the early sixties. It was one of the first R&R shows I had ever attended. I'll never forget that at the end of his show his son joined him on stage. The kid must have been about 4 or 5 years old.
Wish we had the video footage! It appears to lost forever!!! Thanks for posting your comment! (Son of LWJ! :) )
Thank you soooooo much for posting this interview. The strangest thing.. I was listening to Natural Wonder, I then looked it up on TH-cam.. saw Keith singing back up for Stevie Wonder, recognized him from School Daze, Spike Lee’s movie. He sang I Can Only Be Me. Back then it was apparent that he sounded like Stevie Wonder.. maybe even clearer. Little did I knw that Stevie Wonder revered Little Willie John.. and was told at the beginning of his career to sound more like Willie. I am very happy I stumbled across this and am so sorry he died without the true acknowledgment he deserved. He lives through his sons. This history is so rich. I gotta get this book. This wasn’t a mistake.
Thank you, Cheryl! Please, check out the book ... if you like it, PLEASE tell your Family and Friends about it ...
www.amazon.com/Fever-Little-Willie-Mysterious-Death/dp/0857681370/ref=asc_df_0857681370/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=312069234664&hvpos=1o1&hvnetw=g&hvrand=14674872585928964191&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9016904&hvtargid=pla-469788229915&psc=1&tag=&ref=&adgrpid=61316181119&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvadid=312069234664&hvpos=1o1&hvnetw=g&hvrand=14674872585928964191&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9016904&hvtargid=pla-469788229915
Thank you for your positive feedback ... it's still nice to hear that music lovers are still discovering my father's music 🎶 😊
OOOWEE!!!!!**
Little Willie John:
He Was A "Natural" Recording Artist!!!!!**
"Fever"** "Rainbow"** "Talk To Me"** These Are The Songs That I Hear Right Now.**
Little Willie John Was Indeed, And Still Is: "The "Best" Of The Best!!!!!"**
Thank you for you positive comments! There was also: "Need Your Love So Bad" "Let Them Talk" and "Sleep" just to name a few ... I'm not sure that I am familiar with "Rainbow"?
Thank you soo much for your comments! :)
@@feverwilliejohn2453 Back In "The Day," Before Gene Chandler aka "The Duke Of Earl" Sung "Rainbow" Little Willie John** Sanged "Rainbow."** I Can Hear Him Singing So "Clearly."**
Before "Gene Chandler," It Was "Little Willie John!!!!"**
Please Do Some "Search" On It, If Possible.
I've Never seen Anything listing "Rainbow" what year do you believe it was?
Here's a discography listing songs, albums and even some compilations that include LWJ songs
www.google.com/search?client=firefox-b-1-d&q=Little+willie+john+discography
@@elderhardaway5674 Please post the recording ... I'd like hear it.
His sons are so nice and one of them just made a great point: Mr. John's music is still listened to and appreciated til this day....I know by me for starters!
👍Wow, thanks for sharing this story. 💞
I love Little Willie John, love the Drive me home and My little girl was a Country girl.I need your Love so bad.
Great viewing. How on earth could there possibly be 15 people, who don't like this?
I discovered LWJ some 5 years ago and my goodness, I was blown away. As a singer and musician, I have nothing but deep appreciation for his style and legacy in the great American music tradition.
Greetings from Mexico!
Thanks for your kind comments! :)
This would make a absolutely wonderful tv series. Can’t understand why we haven’t see it already Loved the song you’re a sweetheart most b
I recall Stevie Wonder talking about Keith being the son of Little Wilie John, but I never knew who he was. Thank God for TH-cam as well as the creative contribution of Kevin and Keith. To be honest, I have wondered for the past 25 years why Keith has never gotten a solo recording project. The big mysteries in music are endless indeed.
and shout out to you brother man! We are also big fans of your Aunt Mabel John. You all are an amazing family. Let's get it done!
TheEamon9
We are trying to get the TV ONE show "UNSUNG" to do a feature on LWJ. IF they do, it could go a long we to educating people about LWJ. This we hope will lead to a FEATURE FILM. PLEASE support our efforts by voting YES on the "Little Willie John UNSUNG" Facebook page!
Thanks for the post! We are determined and will do our best to see that UNSUNG does a show on LWJ!
Thanks for your support!
wonderful artiste i think the great sam cooke loved willie thank you for this post j vincent edwards
+Vincent Edwards Yes, Sam Cooke and Willie were on many tours together and Sam was very fond of him. Also, Willie was one of James Brown's idols - he even recorded a tribute album after John passed away.
Right you are, Kato on both points! :)
James Brown. If you listen to early James Brown he was very much influenced by Little Willie John.
Yes!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thanks! This is actually Keith's brother ...
Appreciate your support!
I wish I could have known him and be his friend.
Soul Sonic Force what a emotional voice man
Thank you for your kind word about LWJ :)
Wow.....Keith John!!!!!! just realized I saw you you in Manchester England.You sang Human nature and I thought who is that guy with the brilliant voice.The Penny just dropped.Thats so cool.Take care, Wow!!!!!!!
Thanks for the nice comments and you support! We are trying to get the TV ONE show "UNSUNG" to do a feature on LWJ. IF they do, it could go a long we to educating people about LWJ. This we hope will lead to a FEATURE FILM. PLEASE support our efforts by voting YES on the "Little Willie John UNSUNG" Facebook page!
ASK ALL of your friends to do the same. THANK YOU!
All throughout this interview I kept thinking awwww Kevin looks just like his father , May his soul rest in peace! In my young age , listening to little Willie John gives me goosebumps and stirs my soul …that’s a gift from God and you both represent your father so honorably ❤Keith has a powerful voice too def enjoyed his music in the spike Lee films !!
Thanks for the positive comment! 👍
@@kjohn0258 you are welcome !!
sorry uncle KEVIN!!!! love yeah!!!
Keith & Kevin John join author, Susan Whitall to discuss the musical legacy of their father, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee and "Soul Music Pioneer: "LITTLE WILLIE JOHN and their book: "FEVER" on Spotlight On The News with Emmy award winning broadcaster, Chuck Stokes.
THANZ am happy to own Willie John's Fever KING 4935
Little Willie John is one of all time favorite singers! I want to see a feature film about his life and times! God Bless him.
Greatest singer EVER!
AnalogOpher thanks for your kind words ... 😊
Love little willie john ....
Rip. Great artist
Great interview.
Thank you!
Thank you!
My favorite is if I thought your needed me. Oh my god he really sung that song I never stopped playing it God bless him and his son's n I
love sleep oh oh how good his singing really is I never ever heard any man go places like little Willie did God bless him. N HIS family
Tee Brinks thanks for your kind comments!
Thanks!
Thanks! :)
What an awesome interview!! I just saw a 2 part documentary from Mike Boone and Willie John was sooo admired and could sing so amazingly!!
Thanks!
Mike Boone is an AWESOME music biographer! He actually did two (2) features on LWJ Little Willie John Story Part 1 and Part 2 Pt.1 th-cam.com/video/f4v4GeLMk0Y/w-d-xo.html Pt.2 th-cam.com/video/ZqNfvtr1gS8/w-d-xo.html (THE CHANCELLOR OF SOUL'S SOUL FACTS SHOW) Thanks Mike for your contribution in keeping these musical legacies alive!
Hi Kevin thank you for the reply and yes I shall get the book as I regard it as an important part of music history.But above all he was your Father and losing him like that is such a crime and I feel like I only know small parts about his life.So thanks for getting the book started maybe a film one day.Take care .
Little Willie John should be more created what he deserve.
Glad I found this. I knew a little about Little Willie John but this gives much more insight. Grew up with Keith & Kevin on Stansbury in Detroit.
Thanks for your comment ... Please view the youtube video interview from the American Black Journal show ...
and then pick up a copy of the book, "FEVER" at Amazon!
Why did none of them mention Harry Balk? Balk was an early music promoter starting in the mid 50”s in Detroit and eventually became an exec at Motown Records. It was Harry Balk who discovered Little Willie John, signed him to a multi-year management contract and landed him his first record contract with King Records. I hope they at least mention this in their book.
This was a limited TV interview. Harry Balk was interviewed early on for the book. He is mentioned prominently throughout the book and there are photos of him in the book! In fact, there is a photo in the book from April 2006. Harry Balk is pictured with Willie's widow, Darlynn, and his sons, Kevin and Keith.
Great.thankyou.
you are welcome. Thank you for your interest!
Love ♥️
Thanks for the Like ("Love") on your comment!
I know a lot about music & have heard Little WIllie John's name mentioned occasionally over the years but I never knew his story & how huge his talent was. Thanks for posting this.
Thank you, Jeff!
i purchased the book a while back now
interesting
great singer
My Favorite of your dad's songs are Fever and Need your love so bad but sadly that was all I could find to download his music I'm glad I'm able to listen to his music now keep your father's legacy alive great job!!
I will continue to do my best! PLEASE check out our latest interview on the PBS (Public Broadcasting Service) show: American Black Journal. On last week's show, my brother and I discuss the life and musical legacy of LWJ. Thanks for your interest and support!
Alexis, please check out the American Black Journal show:
video.dptv.org/program/american-black-journal/
In case you missed the program today, the entire show can been either that the station web site link or on you tube. Keith and I are in the 2nd segment of the show.
American Black Journal: Kevin & Keith John www.dptv.org/programs/american-black-journal/index.shtml?cmpgn=rd
You Tube - American Black Journal Kevin and Keith John Detroit's Entertainment Roots
K & K, thank you so much for keeping your fathers legacy alive. He was a true pioneer, this is a story that needs to be shared. We appreciate you both for taking on this labor of Love! Be Well! CTM
Thanks Alexis and Cheryl ... we are doing the best we can to keep my father's musical legacy alive!
No problem! 😊
I love Fever! I just love his voice and it is one of the sexiest voice ever! I'm sorry about what happened to your father, you are doing great by keeping your father's legacy alive.
Thanks!
Thank you!!! :)
Just know that Little Willie John sang the song Fever, yet he did not write the song. Otis Blackwell and Eddie Cooley wrote the song FEVER!! I know Eddie Cooley personally. A very good man, kind and full of wisdom. He passed away on his birthday April 15, 2020.
damn..this dude is one of the most powerful soul singers ive ever heard--despite his small stature, he could belt and recommendation just doesnt come any higher than stevie wonder & marvin gaye! peace
Thank for the nice comments ... IF you haven't already done so ... Please check out the LWJ book: "FEVER"
I've said it before had Little Willie John lived he would have been the greatest R&B singer ever such a wast of life and talent very sad
Thank you for your favorable review! :)
Good information
Please view the youtube video interview from the American Black Journal show ...
and then pick up a copy of the book, "FEVER" at Amazon!
If you scratch Motown's surface,you'll find Syd Nathan,King Records and Cincinnati,Ohio underneath.If you ask me,Little Willie John was a better singer than Jackie Wilson.What made him a better singer was that he was straightforward without Wilson's vocal gyrations.His death was a sad loss.He should have gone farther than he did.I discovered him in 1974 when I bought a stack of KING 45s at a now defunct shop in Coos Bay,Oregon called Sunset Automatic Music Company which is now defunct.Those records were more than well worth the dime I paid for them.
Thank you for your positive comments!
Keith did an outstanding job on the song 'why don't we try' from the Do The Right Thing soundtrack. You can also hear hints of LWJ's voice in his. I didn't realize until recently that that is his son.
Please view the youtube video interview from the American Black Journal show ...
and then pick up a copy of the book, "FEVER" at Amazon!
Keith sound more like him than ANYONE!
This was a dy-no-mite clip. I was in a Little Willie John mood this morning and stumbled on to this interview. Sure wish I was still publishing my blues magazine. Your father would have had a cover and I would have been pushing the book hard! Anyway, I'm buying the book this week.By the way... nobody and I mean nobody covers "Fever" like your Pops!
I just finished reading the book. It was great. I agree that it would make an interesting movie
superb - packed with detail & context - Hak Ballard the other cat influencing The Godfather, and thus, all beyond, else, and after
Still pushing Willie Johns music here in the U.K. Such an amazing musician love him.X
Hello Norma, got your message from Don M. ... been visiting my grandson in NC ... great to hear from you ... will respond once I return ...
Take care ... Thanks for the support on UNSUNG ... Have you voted on FB for LWJ? Have you seen the Book? Will catch up later
K. John
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED BOOK! I just finished reading it this week. I'm a blues guy and if you look at my videos I have covered many Willie John tunes. Anyone who is truly hip to R&B music knows Little Willie John was a true gem who shined above all R&B singers. He's right up there with Sam Cooke and Otis Redding as one of the top 3 R&B singers of all time! As I wrote on a youtube of Let them Talk: Little Willie John is my spiritual GURU!!! Virtually everything he sang is Timeless. Many of these King Records musical arrangements would be cheesy with any other singer, but for Willie John they are perfection! Such a brief life and senseless death...When I die I will know I am in Heaven when I hear Willie John's voice at the Gates to greet me!
Thank you johnnyroyblues ... for your nice shout out!
It's great to hear your response! Your father's voice really often does hit me in a certain place at times. It transcends time and space and it often makes me cry...but it's like a good cry, a nostalgic spiritual release...hard to describe. My secret favorite is "Suffering With The Blues" The opening vocals on that track are so strong, yet so eased and relaxed in contrast. It's as if he had sung that melody for 40 years! Willie John really could be so Universal yet personal all at the course of a couple of phrases. He was an absolute master of his vocal melisma phrasing techniques, yet the technique never got in the way of the real music he was making in the studio...it always made perfect musical sense. And as all musicians know, it is very difficult to make "real music" in the often 'sterile' studio atmosphere, but I am so glad we have John's many masterful recordings. They teach us so much! His approach to singing jazz standards like he Very Thought of You or Cottage For Sale were from a completely different, original perspective than any jazz singer would do. I LOVE the way he sings the B section of "Cottage"! It's incredible!! When I cover Willie John's tunes like Home at Last or 'Kitten' I often have to transpose them down 4 keys lower than your dad sang them haha, but I still love singing them. I just have to do them my own meager way :) Best to You All, Always, Johnny Roy Hedger
johnnyroyblues
yes ... he quite a vocal range!
You said that you liked Suffering With The Blues ... have you heard the final version of the song?
produced by Axelrod and arranged HB Barnum?
incredible! sample it and the other cut ... "Like Home At Last". some of my favorite LWJ Recordings ever!
Little Willie John - Nineteen Sixty Six: The David Axelrod & HB Barnum Sessions - Amazon.com Music. ... Recorded for Capitol
Thank you so much! Yeah, I recall reading about those Capitol Sessions but haven't heard them much yet. I would also be curious about what other Country & Western tunes LWJ recorded besides the one Elvis liked... "She Thinks I Still Care" Can you recall some other country music titles that LWJ recorded? Maybe I could research them on youtube here. Just when I think I've got or have heard everything LWJ did I seem to discover some other tracks I haven't heard yet! I love it!!! A friend from New Orleans sent me this old 'truck stop' CD of Little Willie John that had several tracks I had never heard! It's one of my favorite CD's...it even had a different version of Home At Last.
Country & Western ... have you ever heard: Dinner Date? Kinda Country & Western ... sort of
Thanks, Norma ... Get well ... SOON! ;)
Hope that you will consider getting our book about our father: Little Willie John. :)
This Book & story about LWJ should seriously be made into a movie like Like Why do Fools Fall in Love, you know Frankie Lymon story ect! but anyway LWJ was obviously a much Bigger star than Frankie Lymon w/more Hit records whereas Lymon was only a One Hit wonder with actors Larence Tate playing the part of LWJ & Halle Berry playing Willie's wife Darylyn John & Faizone Love playing the Guy that willie stabbed in Seattle & somebody portraying the role as Berry Gordy I seriously think that LWJ's story on Film would be a Bigger Hit & a lot better movie story than Why do Fools Fall in Love, I have this book & The 1966 sessions Capitol CD & Liked both alot anyway LWJ is obviously a Soul Singer in the same Legue as Sam Cooke,Jackie Wilson,James Brown it's seriously a shame LWJ didn't get a chance at KING records w/maybe James Brown producing some music w/Willie Darn it's a shame
Thank you for your nice comments! We too hope that the LWJ story goes to the big screen.
The story is definitely an interesting one.
Please continue to spread the word about LWJ and the book ...
KJ (Kajun) LWJ's oldest son! ;)
Little Richard referenced Little Willy John in his autobiography movie
Understood. Yet, it's still incorrect!
Little Willie John is correct. Check out the Biography Fever ... Little Willie John, the Record: Label "KING" Records and other sources.
I know that I am correct, since, he was my father.
Little Willie John has been over looked for many years. People please don't let this be done. Blacks are disappearing very sadly for no reason, and all of a sudden up pops some unknown creep with the same name even doing commercial with his name seeking game.
Not sure if you've seen the UNSUNG show thet appears on the Cable Network channel TV ONE here in the States, but it's a show that lights artists that have influenced the music scene and have not received the recognition they deserve.
We feel the LWJ was that kind of artist! Influenced many Legends (Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, James Brown and more ...)
We are asking the UNSUNG folks to do a show on LWJ. You can probably see some of the UNSUNG episodes on TH-cam. Please lend us your support!
Little wilie John, was a single that u can give him any thing, and he will turn it into a "HIT", his death was very mysterious.also,
We Black's was doing, Jim Crow. Ray Charles. lose a big lawsuit. And Billie Holiday,Stood On her's,and Those White's,Love Billie holiday,Little Willie John. Was Respected By James Brown, Count Basie Elvis Presley Barry Gordon of Motown open the door up for Little Willie John. Wanted to get his respect.(Dj Skipo.)
Lil Willie John was in prison for murder when they should have been self-defense and his death in prison was mysterious...We Love u little Willie John.. music engineer skipo Dj....
@@romelsims9987 Thanks for your upbeat comments about LWJ! We are working to make sure that, his musical legacy lives on!
Thanks! :)
Thank you! How did you learn of LWJ? Do they play his music much in Australia?
Thanks for your kind comments. Have you seen or read the LWJ book: "FEVER"?
If not ... please check it out.
In October of this year (2013) LITTLE WILLIE JOHN Will be inducted into the
R&B Hall of Fame ... Is the Apollo Theater Hall of Fame next?
LWJ really deserves to be featured on the TV ONE show UNSUNG!
If you agree ... PLEASE contact TV ONE and UNSUNG and let the know that you'd like to see LWJ!
Hello ... Is this Shirley Pena ...?
We are trying to get the TV ONE show "UNSUNG" to do a feature on LWJ. IF they do, it could go a long we to educating people about LWJ. This we hope will lead to a FEATURE FILM. PLEASE support our efforts by voting YES on the "Little Willie John UNSUNG" Facebook page!