Diminutive in size but gigantic in stature, Little Willie John was a genuine architect of soul. Along with Clyde McPhatter, Ray Charles, and Sam Cooke, the visionary singer stood at the forefront of fusing gospel intensity to rhythm and blues tradition. And had he not died inside a Walla Walla prison at the age of 30, his name would likely be etched in the same soul Pantheon as his peers. Despite his abbreviated career, Willie cut a string of seminal sides for Cincinnati-based King Records from 1955 to 1961 that rank among the finest R&B waxed by any singer for any label of the period. It didn't matter whether the song was an after-hours blues ballad or an uptempo footstomper: Willie's agile, melismatic voice made the number soar. As Motown legend Lamont Dozier says in Bill Dahl's notes to this collection, "Willie John was just an extraordinary talent. He knew how to touch you with a song, and he knew how to raise the hairs on the back of your neck." Now, from Real Gone Music comes the most comprehensive collection of this overlooked soul superstar ever assembled: two CDs, 32 tracks that include every chart hit plus its accompanying, seldom-compiled B-side. And the B-sides are where some of the real fun is, for Willie saved some of his most rockin recordings for the flip; joining such landmark R&B recordings as "Fever," "All Around the World," "Need Your Love So Bad" and "Home at Last" on this collection are such crackling tunes as "Spasms," "Let's Rock While the Rockin's Good," and "Do You Love Me" (recorded with Little Richard's Band The Upsetters). With notes by R&B expert Bill Dahl and photos from the King label archive, Little Willie John: Complete Hit Singles A s & B's offers the casual listener all the hits and the collector the requisite rarities. It s an essential addition to any soul library.
L**D
Sing it Willie!
The feeling he put into a song is palatable, whether begging, pleading, or declaring love, hurt or life. His "My Love Is", "I'm shakin'" and "I Need Your Love So Bad" has it all. Just wish I could find "Person to Person" and "Inside Information" then I'll be satisfied, for a moment.
H**5
Great soul music!
This probably one of the best if not the best soul singers that has ever lived.He's voice is just cuts through you. This comp is one of my favorites I've purchased in awhile. If you don't know much about little Willie, take a chance and buy this cd. You won't regret it.
F**E
Old music
I love old music from this time frame it is very easy to listen to and the songs are as if they were released today. This cd is in my car
T**C
A fatal mistake
I heard an old LWJ song on the radio recently for the first time in a long time. I knew he had been jailed for killing a man and then died while in prison. Forgot the details and checked Wikipedia. (Cause of death still remains a mystery to me - pneumonia? heart attack?) Then checked to see if any of his recordings were still available. I found this album on Amazon and I'm glad I bought it. I'm old so I remembered Fever, Sleep and Talk to Me. They still sound good and I like several other songs on the album which show his talent in different ways. Was surprised to see some old standards like The Very Thought of You. Many lyrics are not great but in the fifties it was the sound not the lyrics that counted. According to the interesting liner notes LWJ's behavior was deteriorating before the fatal fight. Too bad he did not live longer and record more.
B**Y
An amazing R&B vocalist
An amazing R&B vocalist, this collection has no weak songs. If you are a fan of classic R&B you want this collection.
D**G
... a revelation to hear the inspiration for so much great music that followed and the original version of "I ...
It was a revelation to hear the inspiration for so much great music that followed and the original version of "I Need Your Love So Bad."
N**I
UNDER RATED GENUIS OF AMERICAN SONG
Music industry insiders are familiar with the work oh Little Willie John. His style has influence a wide variety of mainstream vocalists.
A**R
Five Stars
Great CD.
L**D
Such a beautiful voice
Didn't know L.W.J. until I heard him on Stingray Music (on TV) and was hooked. My favorite song is`'Sleep'' and it has played on 'repeat' over and over again. Can't get tired of it.Too bad he didn't live long enough to keep recording with that beautiful voice of his.
T**Y
little wille john complete hit singles a's & b's
Was very happy with this 2 cd set.Has a great collection of songs.The recording quality was not as good as I would have liked.Was also very happy with the speed of delivery.
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