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
Hi everybody, just here to say our new RORY GALLAGHER HAWK BOOSTER is ready for shipping. Have a listen if you get a chance, All the best, Stevie Flynn.
Hi there bro' Just popped by to say thank you for being my friend. I appreciate your friendship greatly and wish you all the best, and feel free to drop by any time.....much respect...Mojo! PS. Would you like to come and join my mailing list! Come and support the Hoochie Coochie Band....much respect...Mojo! ..
WhAt'S GoOD FaMiLY? I'm JuSt KeEpIn' BuSy..WoRkInG HaRd aT ThEsE BLuEs... BaCk To ThE StUdIo In JuNe To ReCoRd TuNeS FoR My NeW CD..!! GeTtInG ReAdY To HiT ThE RoAd ThIs SuMmER. HoPe To SeE YoU At A ShOW DoWN ThE RoAD. TiLL ThEn..
If YoU ArE GoInG To TrY.. Go aLL ThE WaY.. Do It...ALL ThE WaY.. DoN'T LeT AnYoNe StEaL YoUr ShIne.. 2009 BeLoNgS To YoU.. MaKe It Do WhAt It Do!!
Thanks Chick for joining our ministry of Blues. It's all about peace, love, understanding, and GROOVE. Enjoyed your tunes. Wishing you the very best in Blues and life! -Big Daddy
hi, Chick! about 25 years ago i recorded with you in KC & you autographed my copies of the records "to the best cornet player in Kansas City". we cut "Things I Used to Do", "I Hear You Knocking", "Stop Doggin Me" & "I Wanna Funk With You" along with some more songs. best wishes, Dave Duffield
.. Hi Chick, We can't wait to tear it up with the Great Stoop Down Man next week! World-Class blues artists all day & night! Great food, cash bar, big fun! HAPPY DAZE BLUES & BOOGIE FEST. SAT MARCH 28, Charlotte. http://www.oasispatrol.com/A_Blues_Boogie.htm
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Hi Chuck...I just wanted to Thank You for Adding me into Your Circle Of Friends!! I really appreciate the consideration! Hope you have an Awesome Week my Friend. Have lots of Fun and stay Safe! :) Mike
