More than 40 years on and Southern Rock icons Wet Willie are still thrillin… Read Full Bio ↴More than 40 years on and Southern Rock icons Wet Willie are still thrilling fans young and old with their potent blend of high energy R&B, downhome soul, greasy blues rock and gospel harmonies. Featuring powerful vocals by frontman Jimmy Hall and strong musicianship throughout, the band had always been closer in spirit to rhythm and blues legends like James Brown or Wilson Pickett than to their label mates Marshall Tucker or the Allman Brothers.

The five original members of Wet Willie, all from Mobile, Alabama, came together in 1969 and soon realized they had something special. Jimmy was out front, a triple threat on lead vocals, sax and harmonica; as one writer said, “Jimmy Hall was who Mick Jagger wanted to be!” Ricky Hirsch played guitars and wrote or co-wrote much of the band’s material, with Jack Hall, Jimmy’s brother, on bass, Lewis Ross on drums and John Anthony on keyboards.

The band relocated to Macon, Georgia in 1970 where they were signed by Phil Walden’s Capricorn label, and got right to work on their self-titled first album. Upon its release later that year, Wet Willie began a relentless touring schedule, and soon became known as one of the hardest working bands of the Southern Rock era. As they put it, they “opened for everyone from A to Z: Allman Brothers to ZZ Top!”

Their second album, Wet Willie II came out a year later, followed by Drippin’ Wet, a live set recorded in New Orleans that captured the intense energy of their live shows. With the release of their fourth album in 1974, Keep On Smilin’, the band broke into the charts with the title track, hitting number 10 on national radio charts and number one in many Southern markets. Another track, “Countryside of Life,” became a staple of Wet Willie’s live shows and was later covered by country artists Alabama.

Vintage photo of Wet Willie BandAlso featured on Keep On Smilin’ and it’s follow up, Dixie Rock, were female backing vocalists The Williettes, including the Hall brothers’ sister, Donna Hall. They added even more dimension to the band’s gospel and soul sensibilities. Wet Willie also had chart success with the title track “Dixie Rock,” another fan favorite on the band’s set list. Another talented Alabama musician, Michael Duke debuted on Dixie Rock on vocals and organ and stayed with the band through their tenure in the Southern Rock era. The Wetter the Better was recorded in 1976 and became the band’s last studio album for Capricorn.

A second live set, Left Coast Live in 1977 and a greatest hits collection followed before the band entered a period of personnel and record label changes. Emerging in 1978 with a new Epic Records contract, the new line-up included Jimmy and Jack Hall, Mike Duke, Drummer T.K. Lively, and guitarists Marshall Smith and Larry Berwald. Wet Willie’s first Epic album, Manorisms, cut in England at the Manor Studios (thus the title), was released in 1978 and had a more polished, almost pop sheen. The harmony-filled track “Streetcorner Serenade” also hit the charts and became another fan favorite. The band’s last album for Epic followed in 1979. Titled Which One’s Willie?, it included “Weekend” which added a bit of a disco edge and was also well received on national radio.

The members of Wet Willie spent the 80’s pursuing varied projects and regrouped in the early 90’s following a reunion concert in Mobile for Mardi Gras. Photo of the new Wet Willie BandThe core of the band, siblings Jimmy, Jack and Donna Hall-Foster and drummer T.K. Lively remains intact today. Completing the current line-up are long-time members Ric Seymour, a multi-talented vocalist/guitarist; Ricky Chancey, versatile on electric and acoustic guitar, steel guitar and harp; and latest addition, very capable keyboardist Bobby Mobley.

At varied points in their career, Wet Willie has been featured in showcases and displays at the Alabama and Georgia Music Halls of Fame, and in 1976 received the prestigious America’s Music Award from the Alabama Hall of Fame.

Recorded in Woodstock, GA in 2011, Wet Willie’s newest release, Miles of Smiles, on Atlanta’s Hittin’ the Note label, is their first live CD since 1977 and includes their anthem “Keep On Smilin’," along with other crowd favorites and some previously unreleased songs. The band continues to tour, bringing their unique brand of high energy Southern Rock to festivals and other venues throughout the South and beyond.

Booking and press contact:
Terry Reeves, Music Matters Entertainment
(404) 734-6168 or email Music Matters Entertainment

You can also see 'Wet Willie' as The Wet Willie Band on Last.fm.
Official Website: Wet Willie

Alabama
Wet Willie Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

They talk about you
They say these bad things
They just ain't seen all the joy you can bring

Though lots of times I know that you're wrong
Still must sit back and sing my song

I love you,

Crickets at night time, under the stars
Breeze sirring softly, you are what you are

You take my handand I'll take yours
We'll walk together along her shores
I love you

I know you won't decide to hurt me
'Cause I ain't hurtin' you
I know you won't decide to desert me
'Cause I've got some love that's true
I love you

Long way away now, away from my home
I think about when I'm all alone
Someday I'll come back and see you again

Then I can tell you all the places I've been
I love you, 'll wait on you

I'm Alabama bound, banjo's on my knee
And I am coming on home

Overall Meaning

Wet Willie's song "Alabama" is a touching love letter to the state of Alabama. The opening lines of the song acknowledge the negative things people say about Alabama, but the singer of the song insists that these people "just ain't seen all the joy" that Alabama has to offer. Despite the state's flaws, the singer still loves Alabama and sees the good in it. He even recognizes that sometimes Alabama is "wrong," but he still has a deep affection for it.

The song is filled with loving imagery of Alabama. The "crickets at night time" and "breeze stirring softly" create a calming atmosphere, while the mention of walking along the shores conjures up idyllic memories of carefree days spent on the beach. The chorus repeats the singer's love for Alabama, and he assures the state that he will always be loyal to it. The verse about leaving for a long time and someday returning adds a bittersweet touch, as the singer longs to come back to Alabama and reminisce about all the places he has been.

Overall, "Alabama" is a heartfelt tribute to the state that the singer calls home. Even in the face of criticism and distance, the love for Alabama remains strong.

Line by Line Meaning

They talk about you
People often discuss you

They say these bad things
They are saying negative things about you

They just ain't seen all the joy you can bring
They are unaware of the happiness and positivity you offer

Though lots of times I know that you're wrong
Despite being aware of your faults

Still must sit back and sing my song
I must still appreciate and express my love for you

I love you,
I have affection for you

Crickets at night time, under the stars
Enjoying the beauty of nature together

Breeze sirring softly, you are what you are
Enjoying each other's company as we are

You take my hand and I'll take yours
Let's support each other

We'll walk together along her shores
Let's explore together

I love you
I have affection for you