[4][5] He graduated from just playing the washboard to incorporate a bass drum and snare and, in 1955, gave Little Sonny his first booking.

"[6] His recording career continued until 1962 utilising Boogie Woogie Red on piano accompaniment.

However, in 1966, Willie did release a single with the tracks "Natural Born Lover," and "Wee Baby Blues."

[4] In 1973, he toured Europe with Lightnin' Slim, Moses "Whispering" Smith, Snooky Pryor, Homesick James and Boogie Woogie Red; he also played at the Ann Arbor Blues and Jazz Festival that year on the Saturday afternoon "Detroit Blues" show.

A compilation album, American Blues Legends '73 was issued on Big Bear Records with Willie contributing the tracks, "I Feel So Fine" and "Kansas City.