Willie Dixon

This article is about the musician. For the English footballer, see Will Dixon.

Willie Dixon
Dixon at Monterey Jazz Festival 1981
Dixon at Monterey Jazz Festival 1981
Background information
Birth nameWilliam James Dixon
Born(1915-07-01)July 1, 1915
Vicksburg, Mississippi, U.S.
DiedJanuary 29, 1992(1992-01-29) (aged 76)
Burbank, California
Genres
Occupations
  • Musician
  • songwriter
  • arranger
  • record producer
Instruments
  • Vocals
  • double bass
  • guitar
Years active1939–1992
Labels
Formerly ofBig Three Trio
Websitewww.willie-dixon.com

William James Dixon (July 1, 1915 – January 29, 1992) was an American blues musician, vocalist, songwriter, arranger and record producer.[1] He was proficient in playing both the upright bass and the guitar, and sang with a distinctive voice, but he is perhaps best known as one of the most prolific songwriters of his time. Next to Muddy Waters, Dixon is recognized as the most influential person in shaping the post–World War II sound of the Chicago blues.[2]

Dixon's songs have been recorded by countless musicians in many genres as well as by various ensembles in which he participated. A short list of his most famous compositions includes "Hoochie Coochie Man", "I Just Want to Make Love to You", "Little Red Rooster", "My Babe", "Spoonful", and "You Can't Judge a Book by the Cover". These songs were written during the peak years of Chess Records, from 1950 to 1965, and were performed by Muddy Waters, Howlin' Wolf, Little Walter, and Bo Diddley; they influenced a generation of musicians worldwide.[3]

Dixon was an important link between the blues and rock and roll, working with Little Walter, Chuck Berry, and Bo Diddley in the late 1950s.[4] In the 1960s, his songs were adapted by numerous rock artists. He received a Grammy Award and was inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and the Songwriters Hall of Fame.

  1. ^ Cite error: The named reference amg was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  2. ^ Trager, Oliver (2004). Keys to the Rain: The Definitive Bob Dylan Encyclopedia. New York City: Billboard Books. pp. 298–299. ISBN 0-8230-7974-0.
  3. ^ Dicaire, David (1999). Blues Singers: Biographies of 50 Legendary Artists of the Early 20th Century. Jefferson, Carolina: McFarland. p. 87. ISBN 0-7864-0606-2.
  4. ^ Cite error: The named reference LarkinGE was invoked but never defined (see the help page).