Sonny Boy Williamson
Glendora in Tallahatchie County, Mississippi &#; The American South (East South Central)
| — | Mississippi Blues Trail | — |
Photographed by Mark Hilton, October 18,
1. Sonny Boy Williamson Marker (Front)
Sonny Boy Williamson. . , Front , Sonny Boy Williamson (c. ), one of the premier artists in blues history, was born on a Glendora plantation under the name Alex Miller. A colorful character and charismatic performer, he was widely known as “Rice” Miller or "Sonny Boy No. 2", in deference to another bluesman who had recorded earlier as "Sonny Boy "Williamson. Miller’s mastery of the blues idiom resonated through all phases of his work as a singer, songwriter, and harmonica player., Rear , Sonny Boy Williamson was perhaps the greatest harmonica player ever born in the Mississippi Delta and one of the most remarkable and poetic blues composers as well. He left an impressive musical legacy through his recordings of “Eyesight to the Blind,” “Help Me,” “Your Funeral and My Trial,” “Fattening Frogs for Snakes,” “Nine Below Zero,” "Mighty Long Time," "Unseeing Eye," and many others made for T
Born Alec Ford on December 5th, (according to him), or (according to census records uncovered by researcher David Evans), or March 11, (according to his headstone), today's subject soon took on the last name of his stepfather-- Miller and for reasons no one has ever explained the first name Rice. So begins our story of this fellow named Rice Miller who popped out from between his mama's legs on the Sara Jones Plantation in Tallahatchie County, Mississippi, and would later find fame under the name Sonny Boy Williamson, often given the suffix II, to distinguish him from John Lee "Sonny Boy" Williamson, whose name he found it gainful to adopt for his own purposes. Confused yet? Let's see if I can't further complicate the story.
It seems young Rice hung around the Plantation, working the fields with his stepfather Jim Ford and mother Millie, learned to play harmonica, and by the early 3
Sonny Boy Williamson II, also known as Rice Miller, was a prominent figure in the blues scene, leaving an indelible mark on the genre with his unique style and charismatic performances. Here are 10 fascinating facts about this legendary blues musician:
- Early Life: Sonny Boy Williamson II was born Aleck Ford in (though some sources cite his birth year as ) near Glendora, Mississippi. He later adopted the name Rice Miller, taking on the mantle of the original Sonny Boy Williamson, who was a well-known blues harmonica player.
- Harmonica Virtuoso: Renowned for his mastery of the harmonica, Sonny Boy Williamson II&#;s playing style was distinctive and influential. His ability to evoke deep emotions and tell stories through his harmonica earned him widespread acclaim.
- Innovative Techniques: Williamson&#;s harmonica playing incorporated innovative techniques such as bending notes and intricate rhythmic patterns, setting him apart from other musicians of his time. His expressive playing style greatly contributed to the evolution of blues music.
- Prolific Recording Career: Sonny Boy Williamson II recorded prolifically throughout his career, leaving behind a rich legacy o
Alex &#;Rice&#; Miller, a.k.a. &#;Sonny Boy Williamson&#;, &#;Sonny Boy Williamson II&#;, &#;Little Boy Blue&#;, &#;W.M.&#;, &#;Harmonica Blowin&#; Slim&#; &#;One Man Band&#; and the list could go! A true legendary giant of American blues Sonny Boy has an enduring, timeless appeal that has crossed generations and will no doubt out- last us all! Born in the heart of the Mississippi Delta in Glendora in the county of Tallahatchie County and raised on plantations in the Glendora/Tutwiler locality. He was born to Millie Ford and named Alex Miller after his step-father Jim Miller. He had several brothers and sisters and one named Willie, was reputedly a twin (a name Rice would use in later life) and it was his family who gave Alex the nickname &#;Rice&#;.
Sonny Boy would endure a typical Mississipian childhood years at the time of poverty, boredom, back breaking work and little or no education and Saturday trips to town and Church on Sundays. Something very bad happened at home for Rice and a serious, violent bust up with his father forced him to flee the family home.
Rice is remembered as playing harmonica since the early &#;s, but would only sing and play &#;Christian&#; songs sa
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