Willie Dixon

2-CD SET

A towering figure of the history and evolution of Chicago blues, the legendary Willie Dixon was indisputably the pre-eminent blues songwriter of his era, credited with writing more than 500 songs by the end of his life. In addition to his recording career as a leader, he produced, arranged and played bass on dates by such important figures as Chuck Berry, Muddy Waters, Howlin’ Wolf, Little Walter, Sonny Boy Williamson, and others. In no small way, Dixon served as a crucial link between the blues and rock & roll.

This remastered 2-CD set contains the bulk of Willie Dixon’s best-known compositions. The first disc showcases sensational tunes featuring Dixon on bass and lead vocals (in some cases as co-leader with Memphis Slim or The Big Three Trio). The second presents the most celebrated versions of Dixon’s tunes (many of which also feature him on bass), performed by the greatest Chicago bluesmen. These songs were later covered and popularized by such rock-stars as The Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin, The Doors, Cream, Bruce Springsteen and The White Stripes. Without a doubt, this is the material upon which Willie’s legacy was built.

PERSONNEL:

CD 1: WILLIE DIXON (lead vocals and bass), plus:
Harold Ashby (ts), Hubert Sumlin (g),
Memphis Slim, Lafayette Leake (p),
Fred Below, Clifton James (d), among others.
Recorded 1951-1962.

CD 2: VARIOUS ARTISTS. Classic covers of Willie Dixon compositions.
Recorded 1953-1962.

INCLUDES 16-PAGE BOOKLET

CD ONE: THE LEADER

01 Wang Dang Doodle
02 So Long
03 Violent Love
04 Walkin’ the Blues
05 Crazy For My Baby
06 The Pain in My Heart
07 Twenty-Nine Ways to My Baby’s Door
08 All the Time
09 Nervous
10 Sittin’ and Cryin’ the Blues
11 Built for Comfort
12 Move Me
13 Rub My Root
14 Home to Mamma
15 Shaky
16 Now Howdy
17 Chicago House Rent Party
18 Tail Dragger
19 Wrinkles
20 One More Time
21 Stewball
22 T for Texas

TOTAL TIME: 74:04