Sonny Boy Williamson Historic Signage

The historic signage and trailer at the end of Biscuit Row is a wayside telling the story of the King Biscuit Time radio broadcast in Helena and the impact of Sonny Boy Willamson on Delta Blues music. The site is located at the intersection of Phillips and Walnut Streets in downtown Helena. There is also a Sonny Boy Williamson marker that 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.