Sonny Boy Williamson II - Do It If You Wanta: The Best Trumpet & Checker A-sides 1951-62 (2025)

There are perhaps few characters in the history of popular music who were as mysterious, as they were brazen than Aleck Ford, AKA Sonny Boy Williamson II. The true story of Sonny Boy Williamson II remains shrouded in mystery and uncertainty, and it seems this was Ford’s intention, but to what ends, nobody can say. One thing is certain though - he was one of the all-time greats of the harmonica, a bone fide bluesman, talented and charismatic in equal measure. His influence cannot be overstated. The first incarnation of the band that would become the Rolling Stones was named after him: Little Boy Blue and the Blue Boys; B.B King described him as “the King of the harmonica”; and maybe there would have been no Howlin’ Wolf, or Elmore James without Williamson’s mentorship and support. The British Blues explosion of the late 1960s certainly owed much to Williamson and his compatriots. This carefully curated collection of this colourful and charismatic performer’s work showcases just why he was one of the true legends of blues music. Interestingly, he was inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame in 1980, the same year as Sonny Boy Williamson I. It seems fitting that even in death and in honours they were inextricably linked. This collection hones in on his work that took the world by storm during his tenure with Trumpet and Checker in the 1950’s and early 60’s from his iconic “Eyesight For The Blind” through to “One Way Out”. It is a true celebration of one of the most mysterious characters in music.

Tracklist:
1-1 Sonny Boy Williamson - Eyesight For The Blind [3:01]
1-2 Sonny Boy Williamson - Do It If You Wanta [2:28]
1-3 Sonny Boy Williamson - Stop Crying [2:54]
1-4 Sonny Boy Williamson - I Cross My Heart [2:42]
1-5 Sonny Boy Williamson - Nine Below Zero [2:50]
1-6 Sonny Boy Williamson - Too Close Together [2:33]
1-7 Sonny Boy Williamson - She Brought Life Back To The Dead [2:30]
1-8 Sonny Boy Williamson - Going In Your Direction [2:36]
1-9 Sonny Boy Williamson - Don't Start Me Talkin' [2:35]
1-10 Sonny Boy Williamson - Let Me Explain [2:55]
1-11 Sonny Boy Williamson - Fattening Frogs For Snakes [2:21]
1-12 Sonny Boy Williamson - Born Blind [2:33]
1-13 Sonny Boy Williamson - Let Your Conscience Be Your Guide [2:19]
1-14 Sonny Boy Williamson - The Goat [2:45]
1-15 Sonny Boy Williamson - Stop Right Now [2:26]
1-16 Sonny Boy Williamson - One Way Out [2:00]