Details
- Reference NumberARC-0478
- Level of descriptioncollection
- TitleCollection on Little Willie John
- Date1953
- Size0.07 (Linear feet)
- Scope and ContentsThe Collection on Little Willie John includes one 8" x 10" black-and-white photograph and three photocopies of photographs of Little Willie John. The photograph depicts John as he is departing by plane from Detroit to New York City in December 1953 to promote "Mommy, What Happened to Our Christmas Tree?" on the Prize label. John is accompanied by his manager Harry Balk and producer David Usher. The three photocopies include images of Little Willie John sitting on the stairs in front of the Detroit Institute of Art; coming out of a building holding books; and standing on a stage with 8 other men and women next to a table of Faygo bottles--all circa 1953.
- Biography / Administrative HistoryLittle Willie John was one of the greatest R&B singers of the 1950s and 1960s. His muscular, full-throated tenor belied his short stature. His impassioned, gospel-style vocals were a precursor to the soul music that emerged in black music in the late-1950s and beyond. Indeed, John's fervent vocals on such songs as "Need Your Love So Bad," "Talk to Me, Talk to Me," "All Around the World," and "Take My Love (I Want to Give It All to You)"--each a Top Five R&B hit--rank among the best examples of soul singing on record. His signature number was "Fever," a smoldering, bluesy song that has become a pop-soul standard. "Fever" topped the R&B chart for five weeks in 1956. It was also carried onto the pop chart in faithful versions by Peggy Lee (who took "Fever" to Number Two), the McCoys (Number Seven) and Rita Coolidge (Number 76). Madonna covered it in 1992 on her Erotica album.
- NotesAcquisition Note: The Collection on Little Willie John was received by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum, Inc., as gifts from Usher (daughter of David Usher) in 1996 and 1998.
Language Note: No linguistic content.
Citation: [Identification of Item], Collection on Little Willie John, Library and Archives, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum.
Processing Information: Processed by Jennie Thomas, Head Archivist. Completed October 22, 2013. Descriptive sources and standards used to create this inventory: DACS and local processing manual. - AccessCollection is open for research. Patrons must sign the Acknowledgment of Legal Responsibilities and Privacy Rights statement on the Researcher Registration form before using this collection. Consult the Library and Archives in advance of your visit to ensure access to these materials is available.
- UseThe copyright interests in this collection have not been transferred to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum, Inc. For more information, please consult the staff of the Library and Archives.
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