Lil’ Ed and The Blues Imperials stand as a testament to the enduring power of tight-knit, infectiously cheerful blues bands. Led by singer and slide guitar maestro Lil’ Ed Williams, the group, which includes his half-brother and bassist James “Pookie” Young, along with Mike Garrett on guitar and Kelly Littleton on drums, has been making music together for over thirty-five years.
Their energetic brand of boogie blues finds its roots in the legacy of another Chicago slide master, Ed’s uncle and mentor J.B. Hutto, a Blues Hall of Fame inductee in 1985. The Blues Imperials, inspired by a TV commercial for Imperial margarine, burst onto the scene in 1986 when Alligator Records owner Bruce Iglauer invited them to record two songs for a compilation. In true Chicago blues lore fashion, the session turned into a lively party, resulting in 30 songs in three hours and securing Lil’ Ed and the Blues Imperials a contract for their debut album, “Roughhousin’.” This milestone allowed Lil’ Ed to bid farewell to his job at a local car wash.
Born on April 8, 1955, in Chicago, Ed Williams passionately embraced a style reminiscent of his uncle J.B., both vocally and instrumentally. Mirroring Hutto’s iconic look, Ed even dons a fez during performances. His acrobatic showmanship and humorous stage presence brought a good-time element to the blues, captivating audiences and earning him a dedicated following of fez-wearing “Ed Heads.” Despite a brief hiatus in the 1990s for solo projects, Lil’ Ed and The Blues Imperials regrouped, rejoining Alligator Records, and solidifying their status as label mainstays. With nine albums to their credit, the core quartet, occasionally featuring saxophonist Eddie McKinley, has consistently delivered upbeat live shows and recordings, embodying the trademark “Genuine Houserocking Music” associated with Alligator Records. The band’s energetic performances continue to perpetuate the spirit of their influences, including Hound Dog Taylor and the HouseRockers, ensuring that the legacy of Lil’ Ed and The Blues Imperials remains synonymous with high-octane blues that genuinely rocks the house.