I Am The Blues: The Willie Dixon Story Paperback – August 22, 1990

Excellent portrayal of a very intelligent and complex man. I've read biographies of Buddy Guy, Howlin' Wolf, Muddy Waters, B B King, and others-- but Willie Dixon was a very different character from them all. The format of this book is quite interesting, with Don Snowden contributing contextual background, then allowing Willie Dixon and others to speak for themselves. While this biography does not read as much like a novel as some others (particularly those co-written by the excellent David Ritz), the organization of the chapters provided a strong historical chronology of not only Willie Dixon's life, but the panorama of Blues history in the 20th century.

A book that I had coveted for a long time.

Thank you Amazon. The first time I purchased this book , I did so from a third party on an outside text book website. I still haven't recieved the book. Its been two months. :(. Since then I have ordered from you and your vendors and recieved the book and person who it was intended for has read it. They also said it was one of the finest written autobiographies about someone from from the blues genre.

Willie Dixon was a key person in 20th century music. It's a shame that he gets so little recognition in mainstream America. His talent for songwriting was only part of his greatness, though. He was quite a human being.In this book, we get a look at Willie, what he did, and where he came from. I finished the book feeling as though I understand him as best as I can. And I have a greater appreciation of his music, and pride in the fact that my band plays a small role in keeping Willie's legacy alive.The fact that much of this book is written in Willie's own words -- that is, with his early-to-mid-1900s southern black dialect -- may throw some people at first, but stories are best told in the language in which they arose. Sanitizing his words would lessen their impact.The only reason I don't give this book five stars, is because I want more. I would love to have had more pages to read; more interviews with others about Willie; more photos of Willie.If you like the blues, or even just like the story of someone who went from having nothing (perhaps less than nothing) to a self-taught cultural cornerstone, read this book. Then tell others about what you've learned about Willie Dixon and his inspiring story. And check out Willie's Blues Heaven Foundation.

I loved Dixon’s book, I read it to learn about Blues

The Man himself. He didn't invent the blues, just perfected and "broadcast" the blues to all of us pale faces and beyond.

A comprehensive and honest account of Willie Dixon's iconic ascent in the ranks of blues royalty. A must- read for blues fans, and especially those of us Chicagoans who grew up with/around Chess.

Great,fills in the missing gaps from "I can't be Satisfied"(Muddy Waters)and Moanin' at Midnight(Howlin' Wolf)