Real Folk Blues
Alec "Rice" Miller, a.k.a. "Sonny Boy Williamson," a musical innovator and stylist whose work has influenced several generations of bluesmen and rockers, rose to prominence in the late 1940s as star of radio'sKing Biscuit Show; his popularity was so great that a brand of flour was named after him. From 1956 on, Williamson recorded forChess Recordswith a band that featured the brilliant guitaristRobert Lockwood Jr., stepson of blues legendRobert Johnson. His fame spread to Europe, where he was celebrated by youthful blues and rock fans, and where he recorded an acclaimed live album with theYardbirds. Collected here are classic cuts recorded in Chicago in the early 1960s, among them the scintillating "One Way Out," "Too Young to Die," the R&B; delight "Peach Tree," "Checkin' Up On My Baby," "Bring It On Home," and "Down Child," all of which showcase Sonny Boy's peerless harp, smooth vocals, and devilish wit.--Alan Greenberg