Preview of Travel Guide The Arkansas Delta Byways Travel Guide

Sonny Boy Williamson Marker

The Sonny Boy Williamson marker on Biscuit Row (Phillips Street) is part of the Mississippi Blues Trail  Though born in Mississippi, he took up residence in Helena and rose to fame as the star of KFFA's "King Biscuit Time" radio show.  Williamson, whose real name is believed to have been either Alex or Aleck “Rice” Miller, apparently began using the name Sonny Boy Williamson in the late 1930s. The original Sonny Boy Williamson was John Lee “Sonny Boy” Williamson, a Chicago harmonica player who died in 1948. Williamson (Rice Miller), often referred to as Sonny Boy Williamson II, made recordings on the Trumpet and Chess labels and was known for his amazing ability to play harmonica. Although he traveled extensively, including tours of Europe, he frequently returned to Helena where he died on May 25, 1965. 

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Phillips Street, across from King Biscuit Blues Festival Office, Helena-West Helena, Arkansas