Little Willie John was one of the greatest R&B singers of the Fifties and Sixties. His muscular, full-throated tenor belied his short stature. His impassioned, gospel-style vocals were a precursor to the soul music that emerged in black music in the late Fifties and beyond. Indeed, John's fervent vocals on such songs as "Need Your Love So Bad," "Talk to Me, Talk to Me," "All Around the World," and "Take My Love (I Want to Give It All to You)"—each a Top Five R&B hit that crossed over to the pop charts as well—rank among the best examples of soul singing on record. His signature number was "Fever," a smoldering, bluesy song that has become a pop-soul standard. "Fever" topped the R&B chart for five weeks in 1956. It was also carried onto the pop chart in faithful versions by Peggy Lee (who took "Fever" to #2), the McCoys (#7) and Rita Coolidge (#76). Madonna covered it in 1992 on her Erotica album.
Get full artist bio (courtesy of Rock and Roll Hall of Fame)

 
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