His friend Screaming Jay Hawkins suggested he wear a turban during his performances as a gimmick, and it stuck.
As a songwriter, many artists requested he write for them, including Ruth Brown for whom he wrote Oh What A Dream.
When he passed away he had a current single on release, Hang Up My Rock & Roll Shoes. However, it was flipped over and the B side, What Am I Living For, became the hit, selling over one million copies and becoming the top R&B song of 1958.
Treasure Island Oldies is pleased to present Chuck Willis in the Voice Your Choice spotlight. Cast your vote at the Voice Your Choice page for either What Am I Living For or C.C. Rider. I'll play the winner on next week's show.
