Willie Dixon

Press, Volume CXIV, Issue 33541, 23 May 1974, Page 4

Willie Dixon

“In the beginning Adam had the blues. He was lonesome. So God helped him out by creating woman. Now everybody’s got the blues,” says Willie Dixon.

Willie and his band, the Chicago Blues Ailstars, will give a concert at the Theatre Royal next Tuesday.

Willie Dixon is 59 now. He was born in Mississippi and made his name as a blues singer and songwriter (and Golden Gloves heavyweight boxer) before most" of the singers of today were born. He is regarded as having been an important catalyst between blues and Rock. One of the first Stones hits, “1 just want to make love to you,” was a Dixon song, and the Cream, the Animals, the Doors, the Allman Brothers and Led Zeppelin are just some of the groups to record his material.

Dixon’s first song. “Somebody tell that woman,” originally performed by one of his groups in 1939. reappeared much later as “Big boat up the river.” recorded by Peter, Paul and Mary.

Elvis Presley, Peggy Lee, and Nancy Wilson are some of the artists who have scored hits using his material. Today, Willie Dixon is beginning to receive recognition as a performer and recording artist. * The Chicago Blues Allstars, with Freddie Dixon, bass.

Carey Bell Harrington, harp, Buster Benton, guitar, Lafayette Leake, piano, and Clifton James, drums, is a group of fine blues musicians. With Willie Dixon they should provide entertainment to match Muddy Waters, Terry and McGee and B. B. King.