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
No
Wet Willie Lyrics
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The week before, they all seemed the same
With the help of God and true friends, I've come to realize
I still have two strong legs, and even wings to fly
So I, ain't a-wastin time no more
'Cause time goes by like hurricanes, and faster things
Been around here three long days, lookin' like we're dyin'
Go step yourself outside, and look up at the stars above
And go on downtown, baby, find somebody to love
Meanwhile, I ain't a-wastin' time no more
'Cause time goes by like pouring rain, and much faster things
You don't need no gypsy to tell you why
Ya can't let one precious day to slip by
Well, look inside yourself, and if you don't see what you want
Maybe sometimes then ya don't
But, leave your mind alone and just get high
Well, by and by, way after many years have gone
And all the war freaks die off, leavin' us alone
We'll raise our children, in the peaceful way we can
It's up to you and me brother
To try and try again
So, hear us now, we ain't wastin' time no more
'Cause time rolls by like hurricanes
Runnin' after the subway train
Don't forget the pourin' rain
The lyrics to Wet Willie's song No are about the realization of the value of time and how it should not be wasted. The first verse speaks of the singer realizing that Sunday mornings are just like any other day, and that time goes by quickly like hurricanes and faster things. The second verse speaks of Miss Sally, someone who is wallowing in despair, and the singer urges her to look up at the stars and find someone to love. The third verse speaks of the importance of not wasting a single day and the need to fulfill one's desires. The final verse speaks of how we should strive towards peace, work towards raising our children in peace, and ultimately try and try again towards peace.
The song stresses the importance of living in the moment, and not wasting time. It urges people to pursue their desires, dreams, and goals, and to strive for peace in the future. The song also uses the metaphor of hurricanes and pouring rain to convey the fleeting nature of time.
Line by Line Meaning
Last Sunday morning, the sunshine felt like rain
I was feeling down and it seemed like everything was going wrong
The week before, they all seemed the same
I was stuck in a rut and every day seemed to blend together
With the help of God and true friends, I've come to realize
Thanks to my faith in God and supportive friends, I've learned something important
I still have two strong legs, and even wings to fly
I have the ability to overcome any obstacle and pursue my dreams
So I, ain't a-wastin time no more
I'm not going to waste any more time
'Cause time goes by like hurricanes, and faster things
Time seems to fly by quickly and it's important to make the most of it
Well, Lord, Lord, Miss Sally, why all your cryin'?
Why are you so upset, Miss Sally?
Been around here three long days, lookin' like we're dyin'
We've been stuck in this situation for too long and it's taking a toll on us
Go step yourself outside, and look up at the stars above
Take a break from your problems and appreciate the beauty of the world around you
And go on downtown, baby, find somebody to love
Go out and find someone who makes you happy
Meanwhile, I ain't a-wastin' time no more
I'm not going to waste any more time
'Cause time goes by like pouring rain, and much faster things
Time is fleeting and we need to make the most of it
You don't need no gypsy to tell you why
You don't need anyone else to tell you what you already know
Ya can't let one precious day to slip by
Don't waste a single day, they are all valuable
Well, look inside yourself, and if you don't see what you want
Search within yourself to find what you truly desire
Maybe sometimes then ya don't
You may not always know what you want
But, leave your mind alone and just get high
Don't overthink things, relax and enjoy life
Well, by and by, way after many years have gone
Many years in the future
And all the war freaks die off, leavin' us alone
When all the violent people have died out, we will be left in peace
We'll raise our children, in the peaceful way we can
We'll do our best to create a peaceful world for future generations
It's up to you and me brother
We are responsible for making positive changes in the world
To try and try again
We need to keep trying even if we fail
So, hear us now, we ain't wastin' time no more
We're not going to waste any more time
'Cause time rolls by like hurricanes
Time moves quickly and can be unpredictable
Runnin' after the subway train
Life can be fast-paced and we need to keep up
Don't forget the pourin' rain
We need to be prepared for anything and not let obstacles hold us back
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: GREGG L. ALLMAN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind