Chuck Willis was a prominent American blues and R&B singer and songwriter active during the 1950s. His musical style, characterized by a smooth blend of blues and R&B with a touch of rock and roll, significantly contributed to the transition from blues to rock. Willis is best known for his signature tune, "C.C. Rider," which topped the R&B charts and became a standard track in the rock and roll genre. His influence endures, with many of his works covered by notable artists like Elvis Presley and the Beatles.