Sonny Boy Williamson

Aleck "Rice" Miller, known as Sonny Boy Williamson II, was an American blues harmonica player and singer influential in electric blues.

Began broadcasting King Biscuit Time from Helena, Arkansas (1941). Recorded material collected on Down and Out Blues (recordings 1955–58). Keep It To Ourselves documents a sparse Copenhagen session recorded in 1963. Credited with using the harmonica as a solo instrument; taught Howlin' Wolf harmonica (as reported in reviews). Collaborators mentioned in reviews include Robert Lockwood Jr., Willie Dixon, Muddy Waters, Jimmy Rogers, Luther Tucker, Otis Spann, Fred Below, Matt Murphy and Memphis Slim. Per the reviews, he performed with and influenced later rock acts such as the Yardbirds and the Animals.

Two appreciative DeBaser reviews highlight Sonny Boy Williamson's virtuoso harmonica and seminal electric-blues recordings. Down and Out Blues (recordings 1955–58) and Keep It To Ourselves (1963 Copenhagen session) are singled out. Reviewers praise his direct singing, ecstatic harmonica solos and historic collaborations.

For:blues fans, harmonica players, roots music listeners, record collectors