Chuck Willis !




Chuck Willis (Born 31st January 1928 in Atlanta, Georgia) was actually discovered by disc jockey and future manager Zenas Shears at a talent show. After a stint as a big band singer in the late 40s (which helped to develop his ability to adapt his style to a variety of arrangements) he signed with the Columbia label, releasing all but his first recording on the subsidiary label Okeh.
After the hits started to try up Okeh rather unwisely let his contract lapse and Atlantic snapped him up in 1956. Atlantic accentuated Willis' subtle and poignant vocals with a much slicker sound than before. Chuck's avoidable and senseless death (from stomach ulcers when Willis refused surgery until it was too late) robbed the world of a great talent still capable of producing its greatest work.
Over the years, Willis' reputation as a writer has deservedly grown through the recording of his songs by the likes of the Band, Ruth Brown, Elvis Presley, Conway Twitty, Derek And The Dominoes and Lavern Baker.

Chuck Willis- Watcha Gonna Do When Your Baby Leaves You

Chuck Willis- Sugar Sugar


Comments

Anonymous said…
ahhhhhh, Chuck Willis! What a pleasant afternoon you've provided me, as I've broken out my "Let's Jump Tonight" cd of his along with these tracks. What an underrated talent. Rest in peace, Chuck, and thank you, Reverend!
Reverend Frost said…
you're welcome Martin. (but stop breakin' your cd's for christs sake).
Reverend Frost said…
Hello Miss Jones!

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