Willie James Mabon (October 24, 1925 – April 19, 1985)[1][2] was an American R&B singer, songwriter, pianist, and harmonica player.

His biggest success came in 1952 when his debut solo release, "I Don't Know", written by Cripple Clarence Lofton (who received no royalties),[3] topped the Billboard R&B chart for eight weeks.

[4] It was one of the most popular releases of its era and was Chess's biggest hit before the successes of Chuck Berry and Bo Diddley.

Mabon's original was played on Alan Freed's early radio shows and also sold well to white audiences, crossing over markets at the start of the rock-and-roll era.

Mabon returned to the top R&B slot in 1953 with "I'm Mad" and had another hit in 1954 with the Mel London song "Poison Ivy".