Chick Willis - Guitar, Vocals;
Pondexter Evans - Bass, Vocals;
Big Royal Joiner - Keyboards, Vocals;
John Davis - Drums, Vocals;
Jacques Johnson - Alto sax, Vocals;
Jacques Johnson Jr. - Rythm & LD Guitar;
Bobby Felder - Trombone;
Nat Holand - Trumpet
Influences
Sam "Lightning" Hopkins, Guitar Slim, T-Bone Walker, and Little Milton in later years
It is no exaggeration to state that the blues is one of the most flexible of musical forms. While most people associate this music with despair, the down and out, and the overcoming of adversity, it is also a sanctuary for much humor about the human condition. While the majority of performers only hint at this and even fewer utilize it effectively, hilarity and good times permeate the music of Blues Recording Artist “Chick Willis”. He can, and often does lay down some serious Blues. But his good nature and concern for his audience almost demand that he keep it on the light side. Chick, who currently resides in Forsyth, Georgia, was born in 1934 in Cabiness, Georgia. His dad was a railroad man and the Willis family moved to Atlanta when he was about 6 years of age. He was surrounded by music as a youngster and displayed an early affinity by teaching himself guitar while already having experience with vocals, learned by singing with a gospel group he and his brother and cousins sang with at their family church, and other church gatherings. His early influences included Sam “Lighting” Hopkins, Guitar Slim, T-Bone Walker, and Little Milton in the later years. He became good enough in his late teens to begin working professionally in Atlanta at the old Royal Peacock Club, where he backed or played with a wide variety of talent such as Jackie Wilson, The Five Royals, Ray Charles, Big Joe Turner, Nappy Brown, Sam Cooke, Jimmy Reed, and many others at venues ranging from the Apollo Theater to the Magnolia Ballroom. He made his recording debut around this time for the small Ebb record label out of Los Angeles, California.
Chick began working with his cousin, Chuck Willis, a rollicking R&B showman who was later known as the “King of the Stroll”. Throughout the middle 50’s and up until Chuck’s death in 1958, Chick toured incessantly with Chuck’s review all over the country. It was with this band that Chick solidified his concept of a satisfying stage show and emerged from this period with a wealth of valuable experience. Chick has since fronted his own units and has become one of the most in-demand performers on the Blues and R&B circuit. His penchant for raucous humor was undoubtedly primed when he gigged in the 60’s with Rudy Ray Moore of “Petie Wheatstraw” fame. He even snagged a small part in the movie. He also had a small part in the Buddy Holly story. In addition to being a first rate guitarist and vocalist, Chick plays drums, keyboard, harmonica, and bass. Sometimes he plays the guitar with tongue and under his legs. Anything is possible in his pursuit to electrify an audience with his dynamic stage presence
Discography
I Did It All, I Won't Give Up, Nasty Chick, I Big Fat Woman, From The Heart And Soul, Stoop Down Baby, American Roots, Footprints In My Bed, Now, Holding Hands With The Blues, Back To The Blues, Y2K Recorded Live, Blues Class Blues
ALL ABOVE ARE AVAILABLE CD'S
Wishing you a Special Week with all the Colors your Groove Desires so to Bring out the Mojo in your Life which will enhance everyone you Touch! The Boogie is On!!!
No Matter what Color of Kicks your going to Slide on but grab a Pair and hit the Dance Floor!! Now, this Weekend is Ripe for a Slow Dance that will enhance your Groove and make 2010 a Blessing for you and Your Best Friend!
Showing someone that Special Love you hold inside will be an Enrichment for all of us!! Tune In to JaBeaux this Saturday afternoon at www.kafmradio.org Turn It Up and have a Party Rite there! Blow those Speakers Out!!
The Fat Man is Near! Now is the Time Buckaroos to Roll the Dice! Love is always a Blessing!
PEACE & MANY BLESSINS' ON YOUR PATH !! THANKS FOR KEEPING THE BLUES ALIVE!! MAY THERE BE FEW STONES IN YOUR PASSWAY MY FRIEND!! HOPE TO SEE YOU ON THE ROAD..TILL THEN.. KEEP MAKING IT DO WHAT IT DO... ~ RR
"DEVIL OFFERED A GOLD DOBRO~I SAID NO,I BE A HOBO!!" ~ RiYeN RoOtS
Ciao,CHICK Thank you for the add and the friendship. you are very good, I like your stupendous music a lot, Band, and stupendous voice. compliments ..really. you are one of my prefeitis, I feel great admiration for you, be really one whom is worth rather a lot! I hope to listen soon to you, in italy .. talk to you soon, and all of my best wishes to always listen to your good music all the best.. from italy.. and good life.. every day neal
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