November 15, 1937

“Little Willie” John, a powerful rhythm and blues vocalist and songwriter who recorded several hit songs, including the original version of “Fever” at age eighteen, was born in Cullendale (Ouachita County). From Peggy Lee to Madonna, the song “Fever” lives on through countless versions, but John’s haunting, tortured vocals have yet to be replicated. Imprisoned for murder at age twenty-six and dead in prison two years later, he left a brief but profound musical legacy.