Willie Buck has had the destinct pleasure of performing with some of the greatest names in the blues genre, these include but are in no way limited to "Pine Top" Perkins, Howling Wolf, The Meyers Brothers, "Moose" Walker and many others.
Willie Buck was born in 1937 in the small town of Houston, Mississippi. When he was a boy, Willie spent most of his tme working at a local paper mill making $5 during the day and honing his voice by evening. He began his craft singing in the most popular form of the day, "Rock & Roll." Inspite his vigor for the newly developing artform, his passions began to lean more to the more traditional sound of the delta... Blues and it didn't take him long to develop his sound. While still in "Da South," Willie performed on what became known as the "Chittlin Circuit" bouncin' between Mississippi, Georgia, Louisiana, North & South Carolina, Tennesee and Texas. Shortly after developing his reputation, Willie did like a lot of Southerners during that time by migrating to Chicago in 1954. Once here, he truly immersed himself in the Chicago Blues scene. He became a real force in the "Maxwell Street" blues scene which boasts od the raw blues talent that it has produced. It was also here that he made his first recording titled "The Disco Blues". This also marked the beginning of his overseas travel to Canada, Mexico, France and Amsterdam. Willie was recently inducted in the Blues Hall of Fame among many of his fellow performers here in Chicago in the summer of 2004. Soon after, he released his latest CD, "I Wanna Be Loved" in early 2005. As the blues scene has declined here in the states, Willie has seen a resurgence... more like a movement in blues overseas. His music is profoundly affecting young and old alike in Europe. "I'm glad to see the newfound appreciation of my music in Europe. I'll be heading back there real soon!" he said. His sound is one that only gets better with age. He's hoping you grow to appreciate the blues too.
Thank you for the add! Just wanted to say that you guys sounds great! Love that beat, love the voice... I mean everything is perfect. Do you plan an European tour soon? Greetings from Paris Marta
Chico Chism May 23, 1927 – January 28, 2007 – Rest In Peace: Our beloved Chico Chism left us yesterday morning around 5am. Since his 2002 stroke, Chico’s health had been gradually deteriorating. He spent this last week in a very weak state, unable to get out of bed. But he found much joy in his many visitors this last week. His last few days were spent mostly peacefully sleeping. Chico never appeared in pain. He is survived by his daughter, Audrey, who was able to visit her father earlier this week from Chicago. He was 79 years old. Phoenix will never be the same without our blues cheerleader. We have all been profoundly touched by this beautiful person.
Napoleon “Chico” Chism was born on a riverboat outside of Shreveport, Louisiana on May 23, 1927. Little is known about Chico’s upbringing: Chico was very secretive about his past and often claimed to be younger than he was. But we do know that Chico recorded in 1957 as a drummer for T.V. Slim on the original version of “Flat Foot Sam” on the Clif Record label. He was back in the studio again in 1959, but this time as a front man, recording the song “Hot Tamales And Bar-B-Que”. He also worked in the bands of Choker Campbell, with Big Joe Turner, Clifton Chenier, Classie Ballou, Rosco Gordon, Sonny Boy Williamson II, Little Junior Parker, and many others. At some point, he landed in Chicago and became well known in the 1970’s as Howlin’ Wolf's last drummer. He played on sessions with Eddie Shaw and the Wolf Gang, Sunnyland Slim, and Willie Kent. He played at Antone’s in Austin, Texas, during the 1970’s, befriending a yet to be famous Fabulous Thunderbirds band and Stevie Ray Vaughn. Chico started a record label called Cher-Kee Records, and put out a series of 45’s by some fine but undiscovered Chicago blues, soul, and gospel talent (such as Highway Man, Eddie Burks, Johnny Christian, and Willie Davis). Chico appeared as a featured star of the American Blues Legends 1979 European Tour, which also included Billy “The Kid” Emerson, Eddie C. Campbell, Good Rockin’ Charles, Noland Struck, and Lester Davenport. This tour led to a companion LP on Big Bear Records, in which Chico plays drums and sings two original numbers (“High Rise Blues” and “Big Fat Mama 480 LBS”). During the first half of the 1980s, Chico hosted regular nights at Kingston Mines and Rosa’s, which in Chicago’s competitive blues market, was a notable testament to Chico’s talent and charisma. In 1986, Chico relocated to Phoenix, Arizona at the invitation of Bob Corritore, who had met Chico in 1975 at a Howlin’ Wolf performance. Chico immediately found a home in Phoenix, and became a huge part of its blues community, winning great local popularity, and becoming a teacher to many budding blues players. He was a fixture at the Rhythm Room, performing often and regularly greeting his many musician friends as they toured through town. He became Corritore’s first call session drummer, and recorded Phoenix sessions with Jimmy Rogers, R.L. Burnside, Bo Diddley, Henry Gray, Lil’ Ed, Chief Schabuttie Gilliame, Mojo Buford, Louisiana Red, Big Pete Pearson, Pinetop Perkins, Little Milton, Smokey Wilson, John Brim, and many more. He would visit Chicago annually to attend the Chicago Blues Festival, and often participated in the festival’s Howlin’ Wolf tributes. In 2002, Chico suffered a stroke, which limited his playing, but he remained active in the blues scene until the end. This little giant of the blues will be missed greatly. Thank you, Chico, for all the joy you gave us.
“I’m the house rocker and the show stopper, the woman’s pet and the man’s threat. I’m Chico, the Boogie Man.” – Chico Chism
Chico Chism Memorial Service: Chico’s memorial will be held Tuesday, January 30, 2007 at the Rhythm Room, the club that he loved so much. There will be commentary, a religious service led by Father Ron Poston, as well as photos and video of Chico, followed by a musical tribute by his many friends including The Flamekeepers, and others including Big Pete Pearson, Lynne Avril, Bob Corritore, Nightshift Featuring The Chief & Tom Grills, George Bowman, Walkin' Cane Mark, Mike Howard, Matt Roe, Hans Olson, Blues Dinosaurs, Johnny Rapp, and many, many others not yet confirmed. A repast of barbeque will be available for sale, proceeds from the sale of which will help pay for the funeral costs; other donations will be accepted at the door. Doors will open at 6pm. No smoking will be allowed indoors, although smoking will be permitted on the outdoor patio.
IT TAKE A MAN THAT HAD THE BLUES TO SING THE BLUES... Most of the old blues guys got respect after they died. I'd like to get a little before I go. Check out my music !... Raw, first hand Mississippi blues.
Hey Willie-
Good to be back in touch through Myspace!
I will always be thankful for those gigs you gave me back in '80 and '81. What a band you put together! Louis and Dave Myers, Odie Payne, Moose Walker, Byther Smith. I felt so blessed to be playing with you great musicians. Thanks always. Check out some photos of us at www.bobcorritore.com.
-Bob Corritore
