The South Loop Historical Society
at East-West University
819 S. Wabash Ave. 8th Floor
Chicago, IL 60605
312-939-0111
A Virtual History Museum
Willie Dixon (July 1, 1915-January 29, 1992)
William James "Willie" Dixon was born in Vicksburg, Mississippi and made his way to Chicago in 1936. Upon his arrival in Chicago he initially tried his hand at professional boxing, winning the Illinois State Golden Gloves competition in the novice category and then becoming the sparring partner for Joe Louis. After turning professional, he had four fights before abandoning boxing for music.
Dixon joined Chess Records in 1948 as an artist, but by the early 1950s he spent most of his time with the label as a staff songwriter, producer, arranger, session musician, and talent scout. His prodigious musical output while at Chess from the late 1940s to the early 1960s forms the foundational songbook of modern blues music: “Gone Daddy Gone,” "Little Red Rooster ", "Hoochie Coochie Man ", "Spoonful ", "Back Door Man ", "I Just Want to Make Love to You ", "Bring It on Home ", and “Wang Dang Doodle” have been covered by artists from hard rock icons Led Zeppelin to blues diva Koko Taylor to rap duo Gnarls Barkley.
While at Chess Records, Dixon was a primary influence in developing early Rock and Roll music, working with Chuck Berry, Bo Diddley, and Howlin’ Wolf. He was inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame in 1980 and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1994.
The former Chess Records studios at 2120 S. Michigan Avenue is currently owned by the Willie Dixon Blues Heaven Foundation, an organization started by Dixon’s widow with funds won in copyright infringement lawsuits late in Dixon’s life. The organization refurbished the Chess Records studios in 1997 and offers cultural and musical education services to high school students.
Dixon figures prominently in a forthcoming film about Chess Records called, “Cadillac Records,” in which he is played by actor and comedian Cedric the Entertainer.
Above: Willie Dixon performs "Seventh Son" circa 1991.
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Sources: Vicksburg Post, Wikipedia, BluesHeaven.com
