Sonny Boy Williamson II

Aleck "Rice" Miller, a.k.a. Sonny Boy Williamson II:
The history of Blues music has several key characters. Though not as famous as B.B. King, Robert Johnson, or Muddy Waters, Rice Miller occupies the genre's summit with these legends as one of the most influential performers of all time. His harmonica sensibilities made him a hero to harp players and his vocal approach has never been duplicated. The name thing is a little confusing though.

Born: March 11, 1897?

Died: May 25, 1965

Birthplace: Tutwiler, Mississippi

Listen:
All My Love In Vain
Bring It On Home
Catfish Blues
Rosalee

Aleck "Rice" Miller, a.k.a. "Sonny Boy Williamson was born around the turn of the century. His birthdate is confused mostly due to his own deception throughout his career. In the 1920's and '30's he followed a typical Blues path of a traveling Delta musician, juke joints, house parties, street busking. His path crossed other Blues pioneers like Robert Johnson and Elmore James. His most famous pairing was with guitarist Robert "Junior" Lockwood. The two would go on to KFFA King Biscuit history.

For three years, from 1942 through '44, KFFA radio in Helena, Arkansas broadcast an afternoon Blues show hosted by Sonny Boy. This landmark broadcast was the most popular Blues radio show to this day! As the frontman in the house band, the show cemented his place in Blues history with a unique style and a disputed moniker.

After leaving KFFA, Sonny Boy continued his foray into radio with shows in Yazoo City, Memphis, and Greenville.

Miller was at the center of one of the Blues greatest controversies. His moniker, Sonny Boy Williamson, was already in use by John Lee Williamson, a harmonica/vocalist from Tennessee, when it was bestowed on him by KFFA owner Max Moore. Miller claimed he had been using the name for years and even declared an earlier birthdate to help prove his ownership of the title. The question was never settled and ever since Blues fans have had to refer to them as Sonny Boy Williamson I (Williamson) and Sonny Boy Williamson II (Miller).

Sonny Boy could hold a harmonica inside his mouth and play it hands free.

As with most details of his life, his recording career is a little hazy. Miller claimed to have cut a record in the 1920's but it has never been found. His first label was Trumpet Records in 1951 and he eventually migrated to legendary Chess records and it subsidiariry Checker Records in 1955. His music was embraced by the British Blues movement of the 1960's and he even recorded with the Animals and the Yardbirds.

While with Checker, Sonny Boy recorded with Muddy Water's band.

Miller style was truly Blues genius. His performance approach was a quirky, sparse, to-the-bone, delicate plunge into the pain of the Blues. His songwriting skills served him well in complimenting his musical sensibilities. A master of the use of silent space, his art is almost in what he doesn't play. This bare-bones style cuts the deepest into the listeners heart.

Sonny Boy Williamson II died in Helena in 1965.