Willie Campbell J. - Be Cool (CD)

The posthumous release of the first solo album from bassist Willie J. Campbell reflects more than a little help from his friends Born on June 19, 1957, blues-rock bassist Willie J. Campbell attributes his love for music to his hometown of Detroit, Michigan. His move to Huntington Beach, California, at a young age, created further exposure to music and the idea of becoming a musician. He was instantly surrounded by people with the same passion, making the transition to Southern California a turning point musically. The first pivotal music moment came courtesy of Dave Lee Bartel. Dave moved in across the street from Willie J. and shortly after, they formed their first band, Southern Select Blues Band. In the mid-1970s, Willie J.'s music career started to pick up when he joined The James Harman Band where he would spend the next decade. Following The James Harman Band was a six-year run with The Fabulous Thunderbirds where he played alongside an all-star lineup including Kim Wilson, Gene Taylor, Kid Ramos, and Jimi Bott. Willie J. was diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease) in March of 2022. Although this disease is what took him far too early, he did not let it define him. He pushed through as hard and as long as he could. Just eight weeks before he passed, at the time already having significantly declined, he recorded his final record with all his musical friends. His music family surrounded him with an overwhelming amount of love that he deeply cherished. On December 18, 2022, Willie J. passed away peacefully in the comfort of his home with his wife, Lisa and daughters, Siara and Symone beside him. He always wanted to care for and help others and struggled when it was his turn to be cared for. Throughout the toughest battle he ever encountered, he never lost himself. He was always the Willie J. that we all loved, appreciated, sought out, and wanted to be around. His presence will remain in our souls for eternity and as Willie J. would say, 'Be cool.' Track Listing You Better Let Go No More This Time Can't Stay Away Drone Docksidin' My Fault Forever Shall Be Standby Devil On My Shoulder She's a Twister One Man Chain Gang You Can't Stop Her Use as Needed Albatross Additional Details Label: Blue Heart Records Genre: Blues Run Time: 1 minsRegion: 0 Release Date: 08/25/23 UPC: 727295152145