Album of the Day

Atlanta-born singer and songwriter Harold "Chuck" Willis had scored a string of R&B hits for Okeh Records before Atlantic picked up his contract for 1958's KING OF THE STROLL. Given that nickname when his music proved popular with American Bandstand dancers as they did “the stroll,” Willis was a master of easy-rolling rhythms but could also turn up the tempo effectively when needed. This set of fine originals includes successful singles “Juanita,” “My Life” and “It's Too Late” – the last of which would be covered by Buddy Holly and The Crickets, Otis Redding and Derek and the Dominos, among others. Peritonitis would claim him before he could enjoy his status as a rock and roll pioneer, but Chuck Willis will be forever enshrined as the KING OF THE STROLL.