Willie Mabon
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Willie Mabon (b 24 October 1925, Hollywood, Tennessee – d 19 April 1985, Paris, France) was an American R&B singer, songwriter and pianist.
Brought up in Memphis, he had become known as a singer and pianist by the time he moved to Chicago in 1942. He formed a group, the Blues Rockers, and in 1949 began recording for the Aristocrat label, and then Chess. His style contrasted with many Chess artistes – it was cool and jazzy, emphasising piano and saxophone rather than guitar and harmonica.
His biggest success came in 1952 when his debut solo release, "I Don't Know", topped the R&B charts for eight weeks. Written by Mabon, it was one of the most popular releases of its era, becoming Chess’ biggest hit in the period before Chuck Berry’s success. It also became one of the first big R&B hit songs to be covered by a leading white artist, Tennessee Ernie Ford. Mabon's original was played on Alan Freed’s early radio shows and also sold well to white audiences, crossing over markets at the start of the rock and roll era.
Mabon returned to the top R&B slot in 1953 with "I'm Mad", and had another hit with "Poison Ivy" in 1954. However, his career failed to maintain its momentum, and record releases in the late 1950s and early 1960s on a variety of labels were unsuccessful.
After moving to Paris in 1972, he recorded and toured in Europe prolifically until his death.
