Fever

Description

Released by King in 1956, the LP Fever is Willies defining artistic statement, including all his biggest hits, capturing him in his prime and making his legacy crystal-clear. This analog reissue complete with the original cover, cut directly from the original King master tapes and pressed on colored vinyl at RTI is Willie in his prime, the way the world first heard him!

In his 30 years, marked by stardom and tragedy, Little Willie John (1937-1968) left one hell of a legacy. Arkansas-born, raised in Detroit, the onetime teen gospel singer became an R&B prodigy when legendary A&R man Henry Glover signed John to King Records in 1955. The hits started immediately with All Around The World, followed in 1956 by Need Your Love So Bad, as well as Letter From My Darling and Do Something For Me.

All of those hits left their mark, but one song forever defined his legacy: the smoky, sensual ballad Fever. It became his only # 1 R&B single in 1956. Peggy Lees 1958 cover version soared to the pop Top Ten, becoming both her signature tune and an American standard, recorded by many, among them Elvis Presley, the McCoys and the Cramps. Covers by Madonna and Beyonce returned it to the Top Ten.