King of the Nine String

Let's enjoy some selections by Big Joe Williams, the "king of the nine string".
This first tune features the first Sonny Boy Williamson on harp.






Of course I love the Canadian connection in this tune...and also Willie Dixon on bass.

Big Joe Williams and friends

Big Joe Williams and friends
Originally uploaded by george mitchell1

Notes from flickr.com

Big Joe Williams and friends

Big Joe Williams in Chicago in 1963 at Pete Welding's home studio.

Uploaded by george mitchell1 on 26 Feb 10, 2.20PM PDT.

Big Joe Williams in His Own Words

I love it when the bluesmen speak for themselves. There are a lot of people like me who write about what they said and did, but it is best to hear them say it in their own words.

Here we have Big Joe Williams talking about his music, and how he has written songs for women that he has known over the years. It is very delightful to here him talk about some of these mean old blues in such a light hearted way, with panache and a bit of comedy.

Big Joe Williams - Arkansas Woman (1966)


Shake Your Boogie

please click image

The SqueezeMyLemon All Stars

Every now and then you find a clip on YouTube that is just so delightful. This is an example, I call this clip the "SqueezeMyLemon All Stars." I would have loved being at this show. But it just so happens that this was filmed in 1963, I was two years old at the time.

Can you imagine seeing Otis Spann, Sonny Boy Williamson II, Big Joe Williams, Willie Dixon, Victoria Spivey, Muddy Waters, Lonnie Johnson and Memphis Slim all on the same stage.

American Folk Blues Festival 1963

Big Joe Williams - Baby Please Don't Go (1963)

Have you ever had to ask someone not to leave? Well if you ever do, it might help if you know how to play a guitar. Take Big Joe Williams for example, now he knew how to ask someone not to go down there to New Orleans.

Big Joe Williams - Baby Please Don't Go (1963)


Baby Please Don't Go

please click image