| Author | Message | ||
  Graham Finch (acooolcat) 5-Doyen Username: acooolcat Post Number: 176 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 210.200.105.229 |
I have a 45 on the Heculon label that I think is from Detroit. True? The two sides are called, "Wee Baby Blues" and "Natural Born Lover." Anoraks here might like to know the ZTSC numbers are 121014 and 5 - which makes it a 1966 release. James Jamerson used to gig with Willie so I wonder if he's on these recordings? Does anyone have any knowledge of other 45s by Willie? | ||
BJL (bjl) 3-Pundit Username: bjl Post Number: 49 Registered: 5-2004 Posted From: 217.205.87.151 |
Hi Graham, Yes, that's a Detroit 45. Washboard Willie (William Paden Hensley, 1924-1991) was a mainstay of the postwar Detroit Blues and Gospel scenes and recorded mostly for Joe von Battle and later the Knowles label. He also cut these: Cherry Red Blues/Washboard Shuffle (JVB 59) Washboard's Blues (Pts 1 & 2) (JVB 70) A Fool On A Mule In The Middle Of The Road/Hambone (Von 702) Washboard Willie's After Hours (Pts 1 & 2) (Von 721) As a sideman, he backed Gospel artists Bro Will Hairston (the "Alabama Bus" man), Louise Jackson, The Flying Clouds and The Violinaires and Blues artists Baby Boy Warren, Calvin Frazier, Henry Smith and Eddie Burns, amongst others. The outstanding guitarist Calvin Frazier played on his other 45s, but on the Herculon his place was reportedly taken by Evans McClendon. The bassist was Angelo Willis who recorded in 1991 with Uncle Jesse White. Is Angelo related to Aaron "Little Sonny" Willis, btw? Sonny has two musician sons (Anthony and Aaron Jr) that I know of. I hope this helps but let me know if you need more detail on anything. (Message edited by bjl on August 24, 2004) | ||
Graham Finch (acooolcat) 5-Doyen Username: acooolcat Post Number: 177 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 210.200.105.226 |
Many thanks, BLJ. You've given some interesting details; I guess you've been talking to a lot of local musicians! Were there any other 45s on Herculon? I'm sorry, I don't know if Angelo is related to Little Sonny. | ||
Davie Gordon (davie_gordon) 5-Doyen Username: davie_gordon Post Number: 189 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 212.219.250.1 |
Graham, Herculon seems to have been a one-shot label - that's the only release I know of. Is Angelo Willis related to Aaron Willis - I don't know but it's probable - the Detroit blues scene in the sixties wasn't that big. Davie | ||
Vic Doucette (vic_doucette) 2-Debutant Username: vic_doucette Post Number: 19 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 63.115.63.131 |
Graham -- if you've not already read Keith A Owens' 2-part history of the Detroit blues scene, you can get to part 1 through this link: http://www.metrotimes.com/20/4 3/Gallery/storyHastingsStreet. htm There are many good pictures that run with the article, indcluding a very cool shot of Washboard Willie. Enjoy! | ||
Destruction (destruction) 5-Doyen Username: destruction Post Number: 326 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 199.173.225.24 |
Vic, I'm a blues fan, so thx for the link. I just gave it the "Washington Read", but that little vignette about Ray cracked me up...gonna finish both parts tonight after I bed down the girls. | ||
C Bell/Eric (c_belleric) 2-Debutant Username: c_belleric Post Number: 13 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 4.165.48.23 |
I believe that Washboard Willie was the father-in-law of James Jamerson??? I think Jamerson got his start with Washboard Willie. |
