Junior Wells (December 9, 1934 – January 15, 1998), born Amos Wells Blakemo… Read Full Bio ↴Junior Wells (December 9, 1934 – January 15, 1998), born Amos Wells Blakemore Jr., was an American Chicago blues vocalist, harmonica player, and recording artist. Wells, who was best known for his performances and recordings with Muddy Waters, Earl Hooker, and Buddy Guy, also performed with Bonnie Raitt, The Rolling Stones, and Van Morrison.
Life and careerJunior Wells was born in Memphis, Tennessee, United States, and raised in West Memphis, Arkansas, though other sources report that his birth was in West Memphis. Initially taught by his cousin, Junior Parker, and Sonny Boy Williamson II, Wells learned how to play the harmonica by the age of seven with surprising skill. He moved to Chicago in 1948 with his mother after her divorce and began sitting in with local musicians at house parties and taverns. Wild and rebellious but needing an outlet for his talents, he began performing with The Aces (guitarist brothers Dave and Louis Myers and drummer Fred Below) and developed a more modern amplified harmonica style influenced by Little Walter. In 1952, he made his first recordings, when he replaced Little Walter in Muddy Waters' band and appeared on one of Waters' sessions for Chess Records in 1952. His first recordings as a band leader were made in the following year for States Records. In the later 1950s and early 1960s he also recorded singles for Chief Records and its Profile Records subsidiary, including "Messin' with the Kid", "Come on in This House", and "It Hurts Me Too", which would remain in his repertoire throughout his career. His 1960 Profile single "Little by Little" (written by Chief owner and producer Mel London) reached #23 in the Billboard R&B chart, making it the first of two Wells' singles to enter the chart.
Junior Wells worked with guitarist Buddy Guy in the 1960s, and featured Guy on guitar when he recorded his first album, Hoodoo Man Blues for Delmark Records. Wells and Guy supported the Rolling Stones on numerous occasions in the 1970s.[6] Although his albums South Side Blues Jam (1971) and On Tap (1975) proved he had not lost his aptitude for Chicago blues, his 1980s and 1990s discs were inconsistent. However, 1996's Come On in This House was an intriguing set of classic blues songs with a rotating cast of slide guitarists, among them Alvin Youngblood Hart, Corey Harris, Sonny Landreth and Derek Trucks. Wells made an appearance in the film Blues Brothers 2000, the sequel to The Blues Brothers, which was released in 1998.
Wells continued performing until he was diagnosed with cancer in the summer of 1997. That fall, he suffered a heart attack while undergoing treatment, sending him into a coma. Wells died in Chicago, after succumbing to lymphoma on January 15, 1998, and was interred in the Oak Woods Cemetery, Chicago.
Life and careerJunior Wells was born in Memphis, Tennessee, United States, and raised in West Memphis, Arkansas, though other sources report that his birth was in West Memphis. Initially taught by his cousin, Junior Parker, and Sonny Boy Williamson II, Wells learned how to play the harmonica by the age of seven with surprising skill. He moved to Chicago in 1948 with his mother after her divorce and began sitting in with local musicians at house parties and taverns. Wild and rebellious but needing an outlet for his talents, he began performing with The Aces (guitarist brothers Dave and Louis Myers and drummer Fred Below) and developed a more modern amplified harmonica style influenced by Little Walter. In 1952, he made his first recordings, when he replaced Little Walter in Muddy Waters' band and appeared on one of Waters' sessions for Chess Records in 1952. His first recordings as a band leader were made in the following year for States Records. In the later 1950s and early 1960s he also recorded singles for Chief Records and its Profile Records subsidiary, including "Messin' with the Kid", "Come on in This House", and "It Hurts Me Too", which would remain in his repertoire throughout his career. His 1960 Profile single "Little by Little" (written by Chief owner and producer Mel London) reached #23 in the Billboard R&B chart, making it the first of two Wells' singles to enter the chart.
Junior Wells worked with guitarist Buddy Guy in the 1960s, and featured Guy on guitar when he recorded his first album, Hoodoo Man Blues for Delmark Records. Wells and Guy supported the Rolling Stones on numerous occasions in the 1970s.[6] Although his albums South Side Blues Jam (1971) and On Tap (1975) proved he had not lost his aptitude for Chicago blues, his 1980s and 1990s discs were inconsistent. However, 1996's Come On in This House was an intriguing set of classic blues songs with a rotating cast of slide guitarists, among them Alvin Youngblood Hart, Corey Harris, Sonny Landreth and Derek Trucks. Wells made an appearance in the film Blues Brothers 2000, the sequel to The Blues Brothers, which was released in 1998.
Wells continued performing until he was diagnosed with cancer in the summer of 1997. That fall, he suffered a heart attack while undergoing treatment, sending him into a coma. Wells died in Chicago, after succumbing to lymphoma on January 15, 1998, and was interred in the Oak Woods Cemetery, Chicago.
Vietcong Blues
Junior Wells Chicago Blues Band Lyrics
We have lyrics for 'Vietcong Blues' by these artists:
Buddy Guy I woke up early this mornin' I was feelin' kind of…
J. Wells I woke up early this mornin' I was feelin' kind of…
Junior Wells I woke up early this mornin' I was feelin' kind of…
Junior Wells & Buddy Guy I woke up early this mornin' I was feelin' kind of…
Junior Wells w/ Buddy Guy I woke up early this mornin' I was feelin' kind of…
We have lyrics for these tracks by Junior Wells Chicago Blues Band:
Early In The Morning Early in the morning I can't get right I had a…
Messin' What's this a-here goin all around town The people they say…
Messin' With the Kid What's this a-here goin all around town The people they say…
Messing With The Kid What's this a-here goin all around town The people they say…
Ships On The Ocean Oh this ship is made of paper Alone, alone I sail…
The lyrics are frequently found in the comments by searching or by filtering for lyric videos
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@Maki.1028
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@pauljnewmann
I was given this album in 1966. This song was by far the most powerful and beautiful. As a 14 year old, it changed my life. First real exposure to blues. This was just when the Beatles were evolving into something much more than a pop band with the release of "Rubber Soul" and "Revolver."
@g29er
Always loved that album cover. Being from Chicago, I know what its like to feel that Winter chill blow off the Lake and go right through you when you are waiting for the El.
@amerikarma
I had these vinyls back in the early 80's . . . This is by far one of my all time fav blues track ! BRILLIANT !!
@mrstanbmw
thanks for this post. I was hoping someone would upload this
@sugarmamaaa
I forgot how great this album was!! Owned it during the 60s and completely forgot about it until I saw the cover. Awesome tunes on all three vols by great 1960 blues artists. Thanks for posting!
@gregbelcamino7239
I say Junior and Buddy for the first time in the winter of 1968-69 in New Haven. Changed my life. This, along with "Help Me" has always been my favorite.
@coravisser727
Incredible good real chicago blues super.
@saabnut98
Cora Visser moh
@BordiniBlues85
I love this music and the album cover.. this railroad tracks..