Shake The Boogie: The Original Sonny Boy – Sonny Boy Williamson I

John Lee ‘Sonny Boy’ Williamson is widely regarded as the pioneer of the Blues harmonica as a solo instrument, and his style was a huge influence on postwar performers. He has been called “The father of modern Blues harp”. One of the most recorded Blues musicians of his era (late 1930s to late 40s), he was closely associated with Chicago producer Lester Melrose and Bluebird Records. His most well-known songs include ‘Good Morning, School Girl’, ‘Sugar Mama’, ‘Early In The Morning’, ‘Stop Breaking Down’ and ‘Shake The Boogie’, all included herein, the latter being his biggest commercial hit. In an attempt to capitalise on Williamson’s fame and reputation, Aleck “Rice” Miller began performing as Sonny Boy Williamson in the early 40s; John Lee Williamson subsequently became known as “Sonny Boy Williamson 1”, or “The Original Sonny Boy”.