Jody Williams was one of Chicago’s most popular and creative guitarists during the 1950s. He quit playing his guitar in disgust at the music industry in the 1960s. He returned to action three decades later, still confident in his skills. His recording legacy made him a hero to new generations of blues lovers. Joseph Leon Williams was born in Mobile on February 3, 1935. He moved to Chicago when he was a child. As a teenager, he joined his schoolmate Bo Diddley on the streets and within a few decades had perfected his skills enough to be a respected session musician at Chess Records. His crisp fretwork was a highlight on classic records like ‘Who Do You Like’ by Bo Diddley and I Wish You Would’ (by Billy Boy Arnold) and ‘Evil’ and ‘Forty Four’ by Howlin’ Wolf. He also performed with Jimmy Witherspoon and Otis Rush. Williams was also a regular performer in Chicago clubs, as well as touring with major package acts backing blues, rock ‘n roll, and doo wop acts. A few sessions with Williams produced the iconic instrumental ‘Lucky Lou’. This was the basis for Otis Rush’s ‘All Your Love’ album. ‘Billy’s Blues’, which was recorded with Billy Stewart was also lifted for the Mickey
