Sonny Boy Williamson I

The first player to be considered a virtuoso on the blues harmonica, John Lee “Sonny Boy” Williamson revolutionized its use as a lead instrument, paving the way for the innovations of Little Walter and others to come.  He achieved star status for the Tennessee native came with his first recording in 1937, “Good Morning Little School Girl.” Subsequent classics included “Shake the Boogie” and “You Better Cut That Out.”  Although his life was cut tragically short, his signature call-and-response style of alternative vocal and harmonica riffs remains a blues staple.