December 5, 1899

Sonny Boy Williamson was born in Glendora, Mississippi (although the exact year of his birth and many other dates in his life are difficult to verify). He first became famous as a blues harmonica player in 1941 on the groundbreaking King Biscuit Time radio program broadcast by station KFFA in Helena (Phillips County). Williamson’s fame spread through Europe in the 1960s and has continued to grow since his death. An annual blues festival in Helena still features his music.