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.
Sleep
Little Willie John Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
How we love to sleep
At the close of day
When the joys of the day fade away and the memories sweet
Of the day repeat
In our dreams they creep
While we sleep, sleep, sleep
It seems that daytime was just made for laughter and song
Night time brings rest to the weary
Sooths all the hearts that are dreary
Leaves us alone with our day dreams
Brings back sweet golden love dreams while we sleep, sleep, sleep
How we love to sleep
At the close of day
When the joys of the day fade away and the memories sweet
Of the day repeat
In our dreams they creep
The lyrics of Little Willie John's song Sleep are all about the pleasures of sleeping. The song talks about how we love to sleep, especially at the end of a busy day when we can relax and let go of our worries. The memories of the day are still fresh in our minds as they creep into our dreams, taking us back to the day's events. The song also talks about how daytime is meant for laughter and fun, but nighttime is when we can rest and find solace.
The opening lines of the song, "Sleep, sleep, sleep, How we love to sleep," sets up the overall tone of the song. It is a gentle lullaby that acknowledges the beauty of the end of the day for many people. It serves as an ode to the act of sleeping and the wonderful feeling of rest that it brings. The line "In our dreams they creep, while we sleep, sleep, sleep" adds an element of nostalgia, dreamlike memories, and longing to the song.
The second stanza juxtaposes the relaxed nature of the night with the excitement of the day. It deals with the thrills of laughter, romance, and freedom that come with the daytime, while emphasizing the healing qualities of nighttime. The third stanza reinforces the idea of memories as the singer describes the way we can connect to the events of the day but also emphasizes the wonderful chance to dream.
Overall, Sleep is a calming and soothing song that reminds us how beautiful and necessary sleep is. It speaks to the universal need to rest and recharge for the next day's adventures.
Line by Line Meaning
Sleep, sleep, sleep
Let's go to sleep, It's time to get some rest.
How we love to sleep
We all love sleeping because it helps us feel rejuvenated.
At the close of day
At the end of the day, before night begins.
When the joys of the day fade away and the memories sweet
As the day ends, happy moments turn into sweet memories.
Of the day repeat
The memories of the day keep replaying in our minds.
In our dreams they creep
Those memories come back to us while we are asleep.
While we sleep, sleep, sleep
As we drift off to sleep and rest our heads.
It seems that daytime was just made for laughter and song
During the day, we experience joyful moments of laughter and singing.
Evening brings romance to lovers as they stroll along
In the evenings, lovebirds take a stroll and enjoy romantic moments with each other.
Night time brings rest to the weary
The night brings peace and rest to those who are tired.
Sooths all the hearts that are dreary
It comforts those who are sad and unhappy.
Leaves us alone with our day dreams
Our dreams tend to be about the events of the day.
Brings back sweet golden love dreams while we sleep, sleep, sleep
We dream about a lovely, romantic fantasy while we sleep restfully.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Stephen Fretwell
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
540rollerman
I remember when this song came out and I have enjoyed it ever since.
DrFruikenstein
I've only been able to enjoy it for 54 years as that's how old I am. But it's a childhood favorite, and I still listen to it ❤️
JACK WILLIAMS
Its really good!
deanslist101
Probably my favorite song from 1960. Little Willie John knocked it out of the park with this one!!
Pancho Mozó
Excelente canción,muy buen intérprete,todo un éxito.
Ron L
I remember as a teenager in my muscle car driving and listening to this song. This song would pump me up like a drug. I was so happy doing this. This was in the mid 1960s. Lots of great music in those days and in the 50s.
Robert Mofford
Deserved WAY more recognition than he got. What a sad life he lived.
Ferdinand Francis
A great song by him ...but a sad life story, rip little willie john
Lori Romano
But he managed to leave the world some great music. Made his contribution! RIP Little Willie John. What a great singer and songwriter to boot.
T Brinkley
I play little willie John every day such a joy to hear some one that can sign.