Post by Laurence Aikens

William James Dixon (July 1, 1915 – January 29, 1992) was a blues musician, vocalist, songwriter, arranger, and record producer. He was proficient on both the upright bass and the guitar and sang with a distinctive voice, but he is best known as one of the most prolific songwriters of his time. Next to Muddy Waters, is recognized as the most influential person in shaping the post–WWII sound of the Chicago blues. His songs have been recorded by countless musicians in many genres as well as by various ensembles in which he participated. A shortlist of his most famous compositions includes “Hoochie Coochie Man”, “I Just Want to Make Love to You”, “Little Red Rooster”, “My Babe”, “Spoonful”, and “You Can’t Judge a Book by the Cover”. These songs were written during the peak years of Chess Records, from 1950 to 1965, and were performed by Muddy Waters, Howlin’ Wolf, Little Walter, and Bo Diddley; they influenced a generation of musicians worldwide. He was an important link between the blues and rock and roll, working with Chuck Berry and Bo Diddley in the late 1950s. Numerous rock artists have adapted his songs; Jeff Beck, Canned Heat, Cream, the Doors, Led Zeppelin, the Rolling Stones, and Steppenwolf all featured at least one of his songs on their debut albums. He received a Grammy Award and was inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and the Songwriters Hall of Fame. #africanhistory365 #africanexcellence