Harold "Chuck" Willis (January 31, 1926 – April 10, 1958) was an American blues, rhythm and blues, and rock and roll singer and songwriter. His biggest hits, "C. C. Rider" (1957) and "What Am I Living For" (1958), both reached No.1 on the Billboard R&B chart. He was known as The King of the Stroll for his performance of the 1950s dance the stroll.
Links to Peel[]
According to available tracklistings on this site, Peel seemed to have first started playing Chuck Willis' material in the 80's, although there is a high chance that he may have first played his songs in the 70's or before. Peel nominated Chuck Willis' 'His Greatest Recordings' compilation album as one of his records of the month for August 2002 (Peel's Record Box). He also nominated his track, 'Betty And Dupree', as one of his Pig's Big 78 in 2004.
Shows Played[]
- 15 September 1986: What Am I Living For
- 1988
- 29 February 1988: What Am I Living For
- 02 March 1988: It's Too Late (LP - King Of The Stroll) Atlantic
- 1990
- 21 March 1990: It's Too Late (LP - Keep A Drivin') Charly R&B
- 1993
- 12 February 1993: New York City 1954
- 1994
- 19 August 1994: Let's Jump Tonight (v/a album - OKeh Rhythm & Blues Story: 1949-1957) OKeh
- 03 September 1994 (BFBS): Let's Jump Tonight (7-LP box set - The OKeh Rhythm & Blues Story 1949-1957) OKeh
- 1998
- 13 August 1998: Feel So Bad (unknown release)
- 13 December 1998 (BFBS): 'C.C. Rider (CD-I Remember Chuck)' (Atlantic)
- 22 December 1998: 'CC Rider (Compilation CD-Golden Age Of American Rock'N'Roll Vol 7)' (Ace)
- 1999
- 28 January 1999 (Radio Eins): Betty And Dupree
- 2000
- 29 November 2000: What Am I Living For (LP - His Greatest Recordings) ATCO
- 30 November 2000 (Radio Eins): What Am I Living For (LP - His Greatest Recordings) ATCO
- 2001
- 23 August 2001 (Radio Eins): It's Too Late
- 2002
- 14 August 2002: 'Hang Up My Rock And Roll Shoes (LP - His Greatest Recordings)' (Atco)
- 15 August 2002: 'What Am I Living For (LP - HIs Greatest Recordings)' (Atco)
- 20 August 2002: It's Too Late (LP - His Greatest Recordings) Atco
- 29 August 2002 (BBC World Service): Betty And Dupree (LP - His Greatest Recordings) ATCO
- 2004
- 07 July 2004: Betty And Dupree (10": Betty And Dupree) London Records (Pig's Big 78)