Originally from San Diego, California, Willie now resides in Portland, Oregon. He started playing guitar at age 14, and began playing in working bands at age 15. Willie recalls, “My love of music came from my grandfather, who would take me to Southern Baptist churches during my summer visits, experiencing black gospel music. I then heard Mississippi John Hurt on a local LA folk FM station, and was hooked on the blues!”

In the early 80’s, Willie began working with one of the Coaster’s groups on the west coast, where he met Terry Evans. He has now been working and recording with Terry for over 20 years. This association afforded Willie the opportunity to record with Ry Cooder on Puttin’ It Down, one of Terry’s releases.

Willie’s main guitar influences are Albert Collins, Albert King, B.B. King, Muddy Waters, Chuck Berry, and Mike Bloomfield, to name a few. And Willie adds, “One of my new favorite guitarists is Arthur Neilson!”

Currently I am working with Grammy Nominated Shemekia Copeland, and we are touring all over The US and Europe.  Check the tour dates for a city close to you.