Many sources erroneously give his middle name as Edgar. He is best known for his popular music chart successes with songs such as, "All Around the World" (1955), "Need Your Love So Bad" (1956) and "Fever" the same year, the latter covered in 1958 by Peggy Lee. An important figure in early R&B music, Little Willie John was a 1996 Inductee into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
He was born in Cullendale, Arkansas, one of ten children, his family moving to Detroit, Michigan when he was four so that his father could pursue factory work. In the late 1940s, the eldest children, including Willie, formed a gospel singing group, and Willie also performed in talent shows, which brought him to the notice of Johnny Otis and, later, musician and producer Henry Glover. After seeing him sing with the Paul "Hucklebuck" Williams orchestra, Glover signed him to a recording contract with King Records in 1955. He was nicknamed "Little Willie" John for his short stature.
His first recording, a version of Titus Turner's "All Around the World", was a hit, reaching # 5 on the Billboard R&B chart. He followed up with a string of R&B hits, including the original version of "Need Your Love So Bad", written by his elder brother Mertis John Jr. One of his biggest hits, "Fever" (1956) (Pop #24), was more famously covered by Peggy Lee in 1958. However, John's version alone sold over one million copies, and was awarded a gold disc. Another song, "Talk to Me, Talk to Me" recorded in 1958, reached #5 in the R&B chart and #20 in the Pop chart, and also sold over one million. A few years later it was a hit once again by Sunny & the Sunglows. He also recorded "I'm Shakin'" by Rudy Toombs, "Suffering With The Blues", and "Sleep" (1960) (Pop #13). In all, John made the Billboard Hot 100 a total of fourteen times. A cover version of "Need Your Love So Bad" by Fleetwood Mac was also a hit in Europe. Another of his songs to be covered was "Leave My Kitten Alone", (1959). The Beatles recorded a version in 1964, intended for their Beatles for Sale album, but it went unreleased until 1995.
Willie John was known for his short temper and propensity to abuse alcohol, and was dropped by his record company in 1963. In 1966, he was convicted of manslaughter and sent to Washington State Penitentiary for a fatal knifing incident following a show in Seattle. He appealed against his conviction and was released while the case was reconsidered, during which time he recorded what was intended to be his comeback album, but owing to contractual wrangling and the decline of his appeal, it was not released until 2008 (as Nineteen Sixty Six). Little Willie John died in 1968 at Washington State Penitentiary in Walla Walla, Washington. Despite counter claims, the official cause of death was listed in his death certificate as a heart attack.
His interment was in Warren, Michigan's Detroit Memorial Park East.
Little Willie John was posthumously inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1996.
He was the brother of singer Mable John, who recorded for Motown and Stax, and the father of Keith John, a long time backing vocalist for Stevie Wonder.
James Brown, who early in his career had opened shows for John, recorded a tribute album, Thinking about Little Willie John... and a Few Nice Things.
Robbie Robertson, former lead guitarist for The Band, referenced John in a song on his 1987 self-titled album titled "Somewhere Down the Crazy River." He was also referenced in Tom Russell's "Blue Wing."
A biography, Fever: Little Willie John; A Fast Life, Mysterious Death and the Birth of Soul, written by Susan Whitall with Kevin John (another son of Little Willie John) was released in 2011 by Titan Books.
Need Your Love so Bad
Little Willie John Lyrics
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I need someone's arms to hold and squeeze me tight
Now, when the night begins, whoa, I'm at an end
Because I need your love so bad
I need some lips to feel next to mine
Need someone to stand up - to stand up and tell me when I'm lyin'
And when the lights are low - and it's time to go
That's when I need your love so bad
So why don't you give it up, baby and bring it home to me
or write it on a piece of paper, woman - so it can be read to me
Tell me that you love me - and stop drivin' me mad
whoa, because I - I need your love so bad
Need a soft voice - just to talk to me at night
Don't want you to worry, baby
I know we can make everything alright
Listen to my plea, baby, come on bring it to me
'Cause I need - your love so bad
Baby, I need, I need - woman, I need your love so bad
The song "Need Your Love So Bad" by Little Willie John is an impassioned plea for love and companionship. The singer expresses his desperation for someone to hold and comfort him, to tell him he's not lying when he speaks, and to be with him in moments of darkness and want. He begs for affection and kindness from a person he loves deeply, but who seems to be withholding their love from him. This leaves him feeling lost, hurt, and alone.
Throughout the song, Willie John's voice is full of longing and sadness, highlighting the depth of feeling behind these lyrics. The repetition of the phrase "I need your love so bad" emphasizes how much the singer is suffering without this person in his life. He is willing to do anything to win them over - even begging or having them write their love down for him to read.
This song conveys a sense of vulnerability and raw emotion that has helped make it a classic of the R&B genre. Its lyrics have resonated with many people who have experienced the pain of unrequited love or the loneliness of life without a partner. By expressing these feelings so honestly, "Need Your Love So Bad" has become a timeless reminder of the power of love and its importance in our lives.
Line by Line Meaning
Need someone's hand to lead me through the night
I need someone to be with me to guide me during dark times.
I need someone's arms to hold and squeeze me tight
I am longing for someone to embrace me tightly and give me a sense of security and comfort.
Now, when the night begins, whoa, I'm at an end
When the night comes, I feel hopeless and lost because I have no one to be with.
Because I need your love so bad
I am in dire need of your affection and care, and I cannot live without it.
I need some lips to feel next to mine
I am yearning for someone to kiss and be intimate with.
Need someone to stand up - to stand up and tell me when I'm lyin'
I want someone who is honest with me and corrects me when I am wrong.
And when the lights are low - and it's time to go
When it is bedtime and everything is quiet, I am overwhelmed by my need for love.
That's when I need your love so bad
I desire your love the most during the night and when I am alone.
So why don't you give it up, baby and bring it home to me
Please come back to me and give me your love.
or write it on a piece of paper, woman - so it can be read to me
If you cannot be here, please express your love for me through a letter or a message.
Tell me that you love me - and stop drivin' me mad
I need to hear you say that you love me and put my mind at ease.
whoa, because I - I need your love so bad
I am desperate for your love and cannot live without it.
Need a soft voice - just to talk to me at night
I am looking for someone who can talk to me gently and offer me emotional support.
Don't want you to worry, baby
Please do not stress about my emotional needs.
I know we can make everything alright
I have faith in our love and believe that we can overcome anything together.
Listen to my plea, baby, come on bring it to me
Please hear my request and fulfill my emotional needs.
'Cause I need - your love so bad
I need your love desperately to survive.
Baby, I need, I need - woman, I need your love so bad
I am saying it again and again - I am in desperate need of your love.
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