Everything Willie Dixon touched seemed to turn to gold. 

 Known primarily for his songwriting abilities (which were massive) he was also a producer , talent scout and session musician.

Dixon is present on many of Chuck Berry's early Chess recordings revealing himself to be a superb upright bass player and is considered to be one of the key figures in the creation of the Chicago Blues.

He wrote songs for and produced almost all of the early blues players that we know to be legends today: Howlin Wolf, Muddy Waters, Otis Rush,  Memphis Slim, Sonny Boy Williamson, Koko Taylor , Little Walter, and I could go on and on. 

Willie Dixon made it happen for those players in his 12 years at Chess Records and then later on his own label "Yambo Records". He was a consistent sensation, his songs catching on like a brushfire. In the UK  the Rolling Stones went to the top of the Billboard charts with his composition  "Little Red Rooster" in 1964. The Yardbirds, the Kinks and the Animals soon followed; all covering his tunes. 

Born in Vicksburg Mississippi, Dixon spent his entire life as a tireless ambassador for the preservation and growth of the blues. He said " Blues is the root of all music. Better to keep the root alive, so you'll have better fruit." 

Couple of my favorite videos are below and for a good read: " I  am the Blues:  The Willie Dixon Story" by Willie Dixon and Don Snowden .  

 See you in the Nightlife!