Billy Boy Arnold

Talk about a comeback. Chicago harpist Billy Boy Arnold made a striking return to recording after an extended studio absence, issuing a pair of strong Alligator albums in 1993 with Back Where I Belong and two years later with Eldorado Cadillac. Even after more than forty years in the blues, he kept his youthful outlook intact while his piercing harmonica and solid singing stayed sharp throughout the long break from wax.

Although born locally rather than down South like many earlier blues figures, Arnold sought out his idol in 1948 by boldly approaching the residence of nearby harmonica master John Lee “Sonny Boy” Williamson. The veteran offered the youngster a few lessons before their association ended abruptly with Williamson’s murder. Still a teenager, Arnold cut his first 78 in 1952 for the little-known Cool imprint; “Hello Stranger” failed to chart yet supplied his lasting nickname when the label inadvertently printed “Billy Boy Arnold.”

He forged a key alliance by teaming with Bo Diddley and contributing to the guitarist’s 1955 Checker debut hit coupling “Bo Diddley” and “I’m a Man.” That connection indirectly led Arnold to sign with Vee-Jay, since he wrongly assumed Leonard Chess had no interest in him. His Vee-Jay single “I Wish You Would,” built on the same Bo Diddley rhythm, moved briskly and later prompted a well-known Yardbirds version; the British group also embraced another Arnold favorite from the same label, “I Ain’t Got You.” Additional Vee-Jay highlights included “Prisoner’s Plea” and “Rockinitis,” though his time there concluded by 1958.

Beyond a strong 1963 Prestige set produced by Samuel Charters titled More Blues on the South Side, Arnold’s local visibility faded even as European listeners continued to embrace him. He eventually drove a Chicago bus and later served as a parole officer for the state of Illinois. The situation improved when Back Where I Belong returned him to the spotlight and Eldorado Cadillac repeated the achievement. Following a six-year recording gap, he delivered 2001’s Boogie ’n’ Shuffle for Stony Plain, still sounding robust while supported by Duke Robillard and his band on a collection of gritty, straightforward blues.