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Chess studios,2120SMich.Av.
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Aleck 'Rice' Miller in early 60's.
Born on Dec 5,1899 in Glendora,Tallahatchie County,MS,
as the illegitimate son of Millie Ford,Sonny Boy II's given
name was Aleck Ford,but soon after his birth
he assumed his stepfather Jim Miller's surname.
At 5 years of age,he had taught himself harmonica,
and 6-7 years old,he hobo'ed through South,playing for tips.
Through the 20's,he worked with Sunnyland Slim,
and in the 30's with Elmore James, Arthur'Big Boy'Crudup,
Robert Johnson,later with Howlin' Wolf,Robert Jr.
Lockwood and several others.
In 1941 he appeared as Sonny Boy Williamson on
'King Biscuit Time,KFFA-radio in Helena,Arkansas.
From the late 40's, into the 50's he worked with musicians
such as Willie Love,Baby Boy Warren,Josh White and more,
and recorded as *)'Sib' on United Artists label,as SBW on Trumpet
label,and also recorded on JVB, Drummond and Excello labels,
then on Ace label,and from 1954 and on,his most famous
Checker/Chess recordings. His recordings with Josh White
was on Mercurylabel,and with Victoria Spivey on Spivey label.
He is also on European recordings by Otis Spann, Fontana label,
with Chris Barber on Black Lion in 1964,with Memphis Slim
on Vogue Disques, recording from Valby,Copenhagen
(which I possess)on Collectors Special label,1963.
This year he also recorded in Copenhagen with Memphis Slim
on Storyville label, a recording listed on 'Records2die4'
listing of the best blues ever recorded.
Even a short TV-show was shot by Danish Television.
In 1965 Aleck Miller,who suffered years of tuberculosis
died in his sleep,and is buried at Whitfield Church
Cemetery,Tutwiler,MS.
NOTE!
Aleck'Rice'Miller - Sonny Boy Williamson II,
not to be confused with John Lee Williamson -
Sonny Boy Williamson I,regarded as the original
Sonny Boy,who died in 1948.
*) This information (from 'Blues Who's Who' by Sheldon Harris) is
said
to be incorrect...!?
