To mark Willie Dixon’s 110th birthday, retired music publicist and journalist Cary Baker offers a rare and personal tribute. From his early days as a Golden Gloves boxing champion to his pivotal role at Chess Records, Dixon’s songwriting and production helped elevate the careers of Muddy Waters, Howlin’ Wolf, Little Walter, Koko Taylor, and many others. Baker reflects on a remarkable friendship that began with a cold call in 1970 and grew into a decades-long connection with one of American music’s most influential figures.
Browsing: Willie Dixon
What happens when one of the UK’s finest blues singers takes on a lost Willie Dixon track? A Spoonful of magic.
ICYMI: This double vinyl captures the historic American Folk Blues Festival performances in 1962 and 1963, showcasing artists like John Lee Hooker, Sonny Boy Williamson II, T-Bone Walker, and Willie Dixon at their peak. Restored to impeccable quality, these recordings offer a front-row experience of the blues’ transformative impact on European audiences, forever influencing the global music landscape.
This double vinyl captures the historic American Folk Blues Festival performances in 1962 and 1963, showcasing artists like John Lee Hooker, Sonny Boy Williamson II, T-Bone Walker, and Willie Dixon at their peak. Restored to impeccable quality, these recordings offer a front-row experience of the blues’ transformative impact on European audiences, forever influencing the global music landscape.
Discover the real meaning behind “Black Cat Bone,” which is prominently featured in a number of blues songs, from Willie Dixon, Muddy Waters, Sonny Boy Williamson, and more!
“It was like some sort of sign. You’re gonna sing now, buddy!” Interview with Steve Hunter, who reflects on how his latest album unfolded.
Sue Foley Live in Austin, Vol. 1 drops on October 27, 2023, and it will surely cause more crowding on the shelves that already display Foley’s many awards!
Koko Taylor (September 28, 1928 – June 3, 2009)
“I met Willie on many occasions — the first of which is when I cold-called him out of the Chicago phone book and asked him to come to my high school radio station.” Cary Baker
“Jimi told me the reason he started setting his guitar on fire was because he couldn’t do the back flips like I did.” – Guitar Shorty