Baby Face Willette (1933–1971) was an American organist, composer, and together with his quartet was a key component of the soul jazz sound of the 1960s.
Baby Face Willette
It’s not exactly clear where Willette was born, either New Orleans or Little Rock, but it is clear he grew up playing organ in church. He toured across the US and Canada in several gospel bands, as well as with his siblings as part of the Willett Sisters band. Willette’s career really took off when he moved to New York and met Blue Note regulars Grant Green and Lou Donaldson. After guesting for both musicians, he led his own session for Blue Note with “Face To Face” following up and an even stronger showcase of his funky gospel-tinged chops on his album “Stop And Listen”. After persistent ill health, he moved back to Chicago, where he passed away aged 37.
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