November 15th in African American History – William Edward John (Little Willie John)

November 15, 1937 William Edward John (Little Willie John), rhythm and blues singer, was born in Cullendale, Arkansas but raised in Detroit, Michigan.

In 1955, John recorded his debut single “All Around the World”. This was followed by such hits as “Fever” (1956), “Talk To Me” (1958), and “Sleep” (1960). Over his career John made the Billboard Top 100 14 times.

In 1966, John was convicted of manslaughter and sent to Washington State Prison where he died May 26, 1968. He was posthumously inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1996.