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.
Let Them Talk
Little Willie John Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Talk don't bother me
I want the whole wide world to know
That I love you so
Let them whisper
For they know not what's
Between you and I
Until the day I die
They're tryin' to breakup our romance
But they don't have a chance
We have the kind of love
That's so strong
We'll be together from now on
Idle gossip comes from the devil's workshop
But true love will make it stop
I want the whole wide world to know
That I love you so
They're envious of everything we do
But it's so wonderful (wonderful)
When you love some one (love someone)
When that someone loves you.
In the first stanza of Little Willie John's "Let Them Talk," the singer tells the listener not to be concerned about what others say about their relationship. He wants the world to know that he loves his partner deeply. He reassures his loved one that idle gossip will not affect their love for each other, and he will continue to love them until the end of his life. The singer knows that people are trying to break them up, but he is adamant that their love is unbreakable.
In the second stanza, the singer acknowledges that people are whispering about their relationship but assures his loved one that they do not know the depths of their love. The singer believes that their love is so strong that it will last forever. He states that gossip comes from the devil's workshop, but true love will put a stop to it. He wants the whole world to know about their love for each other and that they are meant to be together.
In the final stanza, the singer acknowledges that people are envious of their relationship, but he finds it wonderful that he loves someone who loves him back. The singer is confident in their love and seems unfazed by what others may say about their relationship. He wants everybody to know about their love and cherishes it deeply.
Line by Line Meaning
Let them talk if they want to
I don't care if people talk about us
Talk don't bother me
Their words don't affect me
I want the whole wide world to know
That I love you so
I want everyone to know how much I love you
Let them whisper
For they know not what's
Between you and I
Let them gossip, they don't know the truth about our relationship
I'll keep on loving you
Until the day I die
I will love you forever
They're tryin' to breakup our romance
But they don't have a chance
Others are trying to interfere with our love, but they won't succeed
We have the kind of love
That's so strong
We'll be together from now on
Our love is unbreakable and we will be together forever
Idle gossip comes from the devil's workshop
But true love will make it stop
Gossip is harmful, but our love can overcome it
They're envious of everything we do
But it's so wonderful (wonderful)
When you love some one (love someone)
When that someone loves you.
Others may be jealous of us, but it's amazing to be in love with someone who loves you back
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: SONNY THOMPSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
johnnyroyblues
Little Willie John is my spiritual GURU!!! Virtually everything he sang is Timeless. These musical arrangements would be cheesy with any other singer, but for Willie John they are perfection! Such a brief life and senseless death...if I go to Heaven I want to hear Willie John's voice at the Gates to greet me!
Miss Britt
Excellent Phrasing and timing from a great singer makes everything sound good
Murp h
Little in stature only ----- a giant in vocal ability --- one of the great soulmen there ever was --- timeless
lily mcdonald
I agree I've been a fan of his most of my life
LogicCuber
Murp htalk to me
Morr J.
One truely,truly great singer. Fantastic voice.I love music,Let them talk is the total package.
Wykesha Owens
Yes, yes, and a million times yes!
Betty Pierce
You are truly missed, bro. Willie John Blessings Amen.💖
lynell brown
Thank you Little WIllie John. Perfect performance.We miss you. One in a million voice.I'm sure you influenced many with that powerful voice.RIP.
Elrita Ferrera
He was sent to prison for defending a young lady; but, that did not stop him! He wrote and sung while in prison! What a voice! He died much to young at the hands of another inmate! Good wishes to his memory!