Sonny Boy Williamson - His Best (1997)

This is Sonny Boy Williamson II, whose 1940s Mississippi Delta radio broadcasts for King Biscuit Time made him one of the most influential of all blues musicians. A master harmonica player, he created relaxed songs, often humorous, that reminded urban listeners of their country roots. These tracks are from his years at Chess, beginning in the mid-1950s until his death in 1965. His recording bands feature Muddy Waters, Otis Spann, and Robert Lockwood Jr., among others. Perhaps his best-known track here is "Don't Start Me to Talkin' (I'll Tell You Everything I Know)," but his signature sound is evident on every high trill he played. --Robert Gordon

[2:37] 1. Good Evening Everybody
[2:37] 2. Don't Start Me To Talkin' (Single Version)
[2:52] 3. All My Love In Vain
[2:51] 4. Keep It To Yourself (Single Version)
[2:24] 5. Fattening Frogs For Snakes (Single Version)
[2:29] 6. I Don't Know
[3:25] 7. Cross My Heart
[2:36] 8. Born Blind
[2:41] 9. Ninety Nine
[2:34] 10. Your Funeral And My Trial (Single Version)
[2:52] 11. Keep Your Hands Out Of My Pocket
[3:00] 12. Sad To Be Alone (Stereo Version)
[2:00] 13. Checkin' Up On My Baby (Single Version)
[2:38] 14. Down Child (Mono Version)
[3:31] 15. Dine Below Zero (1961 Single Version)
[2:36] 16. Bye Bye Bird (Mono Version)
[3:12] 17. Help Me (Mono Version)
[2:40] 18. Bring It On Home (Single Version)
[3:25] 19. My Younger Days (Mono Version)
[2:47] 20. One Way Out (Mono Version)