Search - Little Willie John :: Talk to Me

Vocal Genius Before His Time

afitchue@aol.com | Moriches, Long Island, New York | 11/29/1998

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Little Willie John had the kind of haunting, nasal voice that was perfect for singing the kind of blues that could make a grown man cry back in the 1950s and 1960s. While blusey and full of poignant lament, his moaning was more like a lyric tenor executing a perfect-tone scat. His "Talk To Me" and especially his "Cottage For Sale" has the power to resurect a deep well of feelings of anyone who has loved and lost. The only contemorary artist that comes close to this inherent ability to touch a listener so deeply is Al Green, and--though a master of both gospel and soul music--Rev. Green only begins to scratch the surface of where Little Willie John's legendary voice could have taken the blues. I was greatly sadden to learn that, like so many other gifted artists including Chet Baker who also spent time in jail, Little Willie John's genious came to an untimely end in the dank corner of a Washington State prison cell as a result of a heart attack. One wonders why a man with such vocal power to touch other people's hearts in such a personal way would ultimately die of what only can be described as a broken heart. I hope also that his family will be able to reap the financial rewards of an eventual revival of his extraordinary music. If you're interested in the roots of African American music, don't leave this one out of your collection."

'Little' Willie John

Anthony White | 09/17/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"If you have a true affection for great music, outstanding singing, and quality lyrical content, this is the album for you...Blues singer Mabel John's "kid" brother, The immortal Willie John puts together a masterpiece (perhaps his best album)...The title track "Talk to Me" is a classic...I truly recommend this cd!"