Motor City blues harmonica player and recording artist, age 92, is native of Hale County’s Cassimore community
Greensboro Mayor J.B. Washington has officially proclaimed a day in honor of Aaron “Little Sonny” Willis, a celebrated blues harmonica player and native of Hale County. This officially designates October 6th as “Little Sonny Day” in honor of Willis.
The city’s proclamation celebrates Willis’ rise from humble beginnings in Hale County’s Cassimore neighborhood to international fame as a blues harmonica master. It acknowledges his lifelong dedication to music, his resilience in overcoming the challenges of racism, and his lasting influence on the blues genre.
The proclamation highlights his contributions not only to music but also to the cultural heritage of the town. Born on October 6, 1932, in Greensboro, Willis developed a passion for music at an early age. Influenced by the music he grew up with in rural Alabama, he began playing the harmonica and honing his craft. In the early 1950s, Willis moved to Detroit, where he became a prominent figure in the city’s thriving blues scene.
Adopting the stage name “Little Sonny,” he gained recognition for his unique harmonica style and soulful performances. Inspired by blues greats like Sonny Boy Williamson II, he developed a sound that blended traditional blues with elements of soul and R&B. In the 1960s, Little Sonny recorded several singles and eventually signed with Stax Records, one of the most influential labels of the era.
At Stax, he released two notable albums, New King of the Blues Harmonica in 1970 and Hard Goin’ Up in 1973. These albums and his other recorded work showcase his talent as a musician and solidified his place in blues history.
Throughout his career, Little Sonny toured extensively and shared stages with other legendary artists, contributing to the spread and appreciation of blues music worldwide.
The proclamation of “Little Sonny Day” was championed by Tuscaloosa blues musician Debbie Bond, who has long admired Willis’s work. Bond, founder of the Alabama Blues Project, expressed her excitement about honoring Willis in his hometown and hopes that the recognition will introduce his music to new audiences.
The community of Greensboro is invited to join in honoring Aaron “Little Sonny” Willis and reflecting on his contributions to blues music. Bond said plans for future events and celebrations are in discussion, with hopes of involving Willis and his family.
