Douglas (Bronzeville) in Chicago in Cook County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
John Lee Williamson
"Sonny Boy"; 1914-1948
| | Bronzeville Walk of Fame | |
Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, May 13, 2026
1. John Lee Williamson Marker
Erected 1996.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Arts, Letters, Music. In addition, it is included in the Bronzeville Walk of Fame series list.
Location. 41° 50.191′ N, 87° 37.056′ W. Marker is in Chicago, Illinois, in Cook County. It is in Douglas (Bronzeville). It is at the intersection of South Dr. Martin Luther King Drive and 32nd Street, on the right when traveling south on South Dr. Martin Luther King Drive. The marker is embedded into the sidewalk in the southwest corner of the intersection of MLK and 32nd. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Chicago IL 60616, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in the American Midwest and on the Great Lakes. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Viceroyalty of New France, the territory of the Mississippian Culture, and the Northwest Territory.
Other nearby markers. At
this page online
Another marker is no longer nearby. Douglas Plaza (was about 400 feet away but has been permanently removed).
Regarding John Lee Williamson. "Sonny Boy" Williamson is best remembered as one of the first and best soloists of the blues harp (harmonica). Born near Jackson, Tennessee, he moved to Chicago in 1934, where he eventually became a mentor to many of the city's leading musicians.
At the time of his death, Williamson lived at 3226 S. Giles, about a block from the location of this marker, and his death occurred not far away. On June 1, 1948, Williamson was was walking home from a performance
Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, May 13, 2026
2. John Lee Williamson Marker
His legacy is somewhat complicated by the existence of another Sonny Boy Williamson who emerged around the same time. That musician was born Rice Miller but adopted the identical stage name, quite possibly in an attempt to deceive audiences. He lived until the 1960s.
Also see . . . John Lee "Sonny Boy" Williamson. A bio from Tennessee State University.
Excerpt: "In 1934, Williamson moved to Chicago, where a thriving blues scene was in full swing. An experienced artist, he immediately made his imprint, first as a much-recruited accompanist and, when he began to play his own compositions, as a much-sought-after headliner. Three years after he moved to the 'Windy City,' Williamson made his first recording, Good Morning, Little School, for Victor's subsidiary Bluebird label. This recording introduced his unusual, individualistic, and widely influential instrumental style of 'squeezed' notes and 'crossed-harp' playing--his distinctive style was imitated by many other musicians.(Submitted on May 21, 2026, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.)
Credits. This page was last revised on May 21, 2026. It was originally submitted on May 20, 2026, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois. This page has been viewed 7 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 20, 2026, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.
