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Diminutive in size but gigantic in stature, Little Willie John was a genuine architect of soul. Along with Clyde McPhatter, Ray Charles, and Sam Cooke, the visionary singer stood at the forefront of fusing gospel intensity to rhythm and blues tradition. And had he not died inside a Walla Walla prison at the age of 30, his name would likely be etched in the same soul Pantheon as his peers.

Despite his abbreviated career, Willie cut a string of seminal sides for Cincinnati-based King Records from 1955 to 1961 that rank among the finest R&B waxed by any singer for any label of the period. It didn't matter whether the song was an after-hours blues ballad or an uptempo footstomper: Willie's agile, melismatic voice made the number soar. As Motown legend Lamont Dozier says in Bill Dahl's notes to this collection, "Willie John was just an extraordinary talent. He knew how to touch you with a song, and he knew how to raise the hairs on the back of your neck."

Now, from Real Gone Music comes the definitive vinyl anthology for this overlooked soul superstar: 17 tracks that include every R&B chart hit! That means such landmark tunes as "Fever," "All Around the World," "Need Your Love So Bad," "Home at Last," and "Leave My Kitten Alone," all documented by liner note writer Bill Dahl on the accompanying insert. Pressed on colored vinyl...an essential addition to any soul library!