MOG Editorial Review

Plenty of people pay attention to the outlandish, partially made up back story of legendary blues singer Sonny Boy Williamson, but Down and Out Blues is the only reminder you need of why he became a legend in the first place. The 1959 landmark serves as one of the only full-length documents of Williamson's career, and gems like "Don't Start Me to Talkin'" and "Keep It Yourself" showcase not only the soulful, harmonica-driven blues at its essence, but a rock 'n' roll swagger that would have its influence on bands like the Rolling Stones as well. If you're looking for a direct link between the early origins of the blues and its mainstream breakthrough in the '50s and '60s, you'll find it in Sonny Boy WIlliamson.