Musician. Born Harold Willis in Atlanta, Georgia, he was discovered at a talent show when he was signed at Okeh Records (a subsidiary of Columbia Records) in 1951. A brilliant blues singer and songwriter, he was dubbed 'The King of the Stroll' for his hit dance song the "The Stroll". In 1956, he moved to Atlantic Records producing his most-successful recording "CC Ryder" (1957), which topped the Billboard R&B singles chart. His other hits included "It's Too Late", "Juanita", "Love Me Cherry", "Hang Up My Rock & Roll Shoes" and "What Am I Living For?" which sold over one million copies and was awarded a Gold-certified record award. His tune "CC Ryder", has been covered by artists including Elvis Presley, Mitch Ryder & the Detroit Wheels, The Animals and Eric Clapton.
Musician. Born Harold Willis in Atlanta, Georgia, he was discovered at a talent show when he was signed at Okeh Records (a subsidiary of Columbia Records) in 1951. A brilliant blues singer and songwriter, he was dubbed 'The King of the Stroll' for his hit dance song the "The Stroll". In 1956, he moved to Atlantic Records producing his most-successful recording "CC Ryder" (1957), which topped the Billboard R&B singles chart. His other hits included "It's Too Late", "Juanita", "Love Me Cherry", "Hang Up My Rock & Roll Shoes" and "What Am I Living For?" which sold over one million copies and was awarded a Gold-certified record award. His tune "CC Ryder", has been covered by artists including Elvis Presley, Mitch Ryder & the Detroit Wheels, The Animals and Eric Clapton.
Bio by: John "J-Cat" Griffith
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