Williamson, Sonny Boy

Williamson, Sonny Boy (b. Aleck Ford; also known as Aleck “Rice” Miller) (?1899–1965) harmonica player; born in Glendora, Miss. Eventually becoming a legendary singer and harmonica player, he began by performing as "Little Boy Blue" in the Mississippi Delta region throughout the 1920s and 1930s. In 1941 he began broadcasting on King Biscuit Time, a daily radio program in Helena, Ark., which he remained associated with until his death. Following John Lee “Sonny Boy” Williamson's murder in 1948, he became the second harmonica player in blues to record under this name, first with Trumpet Records (1951–54), then with Chess Records (1955–64). Between 1963–65 he made annual tours of Europe, performing with Eric Clapton and other emerging rock musicians.