Little Milton
Little Milton, born James Milton Campbell Jr. on September 7, 1934, in Inverness, Mississippi, was a prominent American blues singer and guitarist. He grew up on the George Bowles plantation near Greenville, Mississippi, where he was immersed in the rich musical traditions of the Delta region. Over the years, he became known for his extraordinary technique, soulful voice, and a unique blend of musical styles that encompassed both blues and soul music, earning him a dedicated following and critical acclaim in the music industry.
Little Milton's career spanned several decades, during which he established himself as one of the leading performers in the blues genre. He began singing gospel music in his local church before transitioning to the blues in the 1950s. His debut album, "We're Gonna Make It," was released in 1965 and included some of his most iconic tracks, further solidifying his status in the musical landscape.
Throughout his career, Little Milton released numerous albums and singles, many of which became hits. His work is characterized by its emotional depth and technical prowess, showcasing his ability to convey the pain and joy inherent in his music. Known for songs like "Grits Ain't Groceries" and "We're Gonna Make It," he received widespread recognition and respect from peers and fans alike.
Tragically, Little Milton’s life came to an end on August 4, 2005, but his legacy continues to influence blues musicians and delight fans of the genre. His contributions to music have been celebrated in various forms, ensuring that his impact on the blues scene remains significant.
In summary, Little Milton was a masterful artist whose work bridged the realms of blues and soul, leaving an indelible mark on the music world that persists to this day.
Blues’N Soul
Written By – Crutcher, Jones
4:14
A2 Behind Closed Doors
Written By – Kenny O'Dell
4:05
A3 Sweet Woman Of Mine
Written By – Milton Campbell
3:29
A4 Worried Dreamer
Written By – B.B. King
5:23
B1 How Could You Do It To Me
Written By – Milton Campbell
4:58
B2 You're No Good
Written By – Clint Ballard Jr.
2:59
B3 'Taint Nobody's Biziness
Written By – Garinger, Robbins
6:26
B4 Hard Luck Blues
Written By – Roy Brown
4:15
Label: Stax – STS-5514
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1974
Genre: R&B Soul, Blues
Style: Blues-Soul
Little Milton's Blues 'n' Soul (1974) is a pivotal Stax album showcasing his signature fusion of gritty blues with Memphis soul, featuring lush strings/horns, funky grooves, and strong interpretations of hits like Linda Ronstadt's "You're No Good," alongside Milton's originals, solidifying his mastery of the soul-blues genre with tracks like the epic "'Tain't Nobody's Business If I Do".
The album perfectly embodies its title, blending traditional blues feeling with the polished arrangements and rhythms of soul music, a style Milton pioneered.
Produced with the classic Memphis Stax sound, the album features prominent, tasteful horn and string arrangements (by James Mitchell) that add color without diluting the blues core.
Milton delivers powerful interpretations of popular songs, including Charlie Rich's "Behind Closed Doors" and Linda Ronstadt's hit "You're No Good," making them his own.
His original "Sweet Woman of Mine" offers an uptempo, swinging moment, while the extended "Tain't Nobody's Business If I Do" showcases his vocals and guitar, and "Hard Luck Blues" closes with a funky groove.
Considered one of Milton's best Stax records, it's an essential listen for soul-blues fans, highlighting his guitar and vocal prowess.
Grits Ain’t Groceries
Written-By – Washington, Thornton, Bass, Thompson 2:20
A2 Grits Ain't Groceries (All Around The World)
Written-By – Titus Turner 2:39
A3 I Can't Quit You Baby
Written-By – Campbell, Dixon 6:40
A4 I'll Always Love You
Written-By – Morris Dollison 2:57
A5 Twenty Three Hours
Written-By – Morris Dollison 2:22
B1 Spring
Written-By – Banks 3:53
B2 Steal Away
Written-By – Jimmy Hughes 2:52
B3 You're The One
Written-By – Adolph Smith 2:21
B4 So Blue Without You
Written-By – Strong, Barksdale, McGill, Flemons 2:11
B5 Did You Ever Love A Woman
Written-By – King, Taub 2:53
Label: Checker – LPS-3011
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1969
Genre: R&B Soul, Blues
Style: Rhythm & Blues, Soul
Little Milton's 1969 album, Grits Ain't Groceries, is a pivotal work marking his shift towards a funkier, harder-edged blues-soul sound, moving from smoother vibes to raw grooves with potent horns, with the hit title track becoming a signature song, showcasing his soulful voice and guitar chops for a career pinnacle on Checker Records.
It significantly diverged from his smoother soul hits like "We're Gonna Make It," embracing a grittier, funk-infused blues that defined his late '60s sound.
Expect powerful horn arrangements, driving rhythms, and Little Milton's deeply soulful vocals, blending B.B. King's guitar finesse with emerging funk elements.
The catchy, funk-blues "Grits Ain't Groceries" was a Top 15 R&B hit, solidifying its status as a career highlight.
The album is seen as a high point, showcasing his versatility and evolving artistry on Chess Records' Checker label before his move to Stax.
It remains a beloved record, celebrated for its authentic blues feeling with a contemporary, funky edge, proving Milton's ability to evolve with the times.
In essence, Grits Ain't Groceries is a vital listen for fans of blues and soul, capturing Little Milton at a peak moment of creative fusion.
If Walls Could Talk
A2 Baby I Love You (Jimmy Holiday 2:44)
A3 Let's Get Together (Piano – Donny Hathaway) (Morris Dollison 3:00)
A4 Things That I Used To Do (Eddy (Guitar Slim) Jones 3:50)
A5 Kansas City (Willie Littlefield 3:02)
B1 Poor Man (Butler, Blumenberg, Campbell 2:42)
B2 Blues Get Off My Shoulder (Robert Parker 3:20)
B3 I Play Dirty (Pearl Woods 2:23)
B4 Good To Me As I Am To You (Franklin, White 2:44)
B5 Your Precious Love (Morris Dollison 2:43)
B6 I Don't Know (B. Stevenson, B. Benton 2:20)
Label: Checker – LPS-3012 DJ
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1970
Genre: R&B Soul Blues
Style: Electric Blues, Chicago Blues
If Walls Could Talk is a 1969 soul-blues album by Little Milton that blends R&B with blues, featuring his powerful vocals and signature guitar playing. The album is known for its mix of soulful ballads and uptempo tracks, including the stirring title track, the popular "Baby I Love You," and "Let's Get Together," showcasing his hybrid style that appealed to both blues and soul fans.
The album is a powerful blend of electric blues and soul music, representative of the soul-blues style. It features the signature sound Little Milton developed on the Checker Records label, with a combination of straight blues and brassy soul arrangements.
The album helped solidify Milton's position as a prominent figure in the soul and blues scenes. Some reissued versions include bonus tracks, such as "Grits Ain't Groceries," which was a significant hit in the UK.
Strugglin’ Lady
A2 My Dog And Me
A3 Cafe Woman
A4 You Were Always On My Mind
A5 Let Them Talk
B1 If This Ain't The Blues
B2 A Nickel And A Nail
B3 She Never Gets The Blues
B4 I Keep Falling For You
B5 Bending The Rules
Label: Malaco Records – MAL 7465
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1992
Genre: R&B Blues
Style: Southern Soul, Blues
Little Milton's 1992 album, Strugglin' Lady, showcases his enduring soul-blues mastery with heartfelt songs, strong guitar work, and emotive vocals, blending traditional blues with Southern soul, though some critics found it less groundbreaking than his earlier Stax/Checker work, it remains a solid addition, highlighting his adaptability with tracks like his soulful covers and collaborations.
A rich blend of soulful blues, Southern soul, and roots rock, consistent with Milton's signature sound, featuring Little Milton's trademark smooth yet powerful voice and expressive guitar playing.
The album delivers emotive narratives typical of blues and soul, with tracks reflecting deep feeling, supported by strong musicianship, including horn sections and talented session players, providing a polished sound.
While not always reaching the heights of his vintage material, it was seen as a welcome release, proving Milton still had the goods and appealing to both longtime fans and newcomers.
Overall, Strugglin' Lady is considered a strong late-career effort, keeping the flame of classic soul-blues alive with authentic performances and a testament to Little Milton's lasting talent as a blues icon.
Strugglin' Lady is often cited as a standout entry in Milton's prolific Malaco discography, sitting alongside other late-career successes like Annie Mae's Café and Reality. It solidified his status as a "Soul-Blues Preacher" who could bridge the gap between vintage Sun/Chess-era blues and modern Southern soul.
Waiting For Little Milton
A2 Who Can Handle Me Is You (Ertha Chapple, Milton Campbell 3:06)
A3 Woman, You Don't Have To Be So Cold (Milton Campbell 3:43)
A4 The Thrill Is Gone (Rick Darnell, Roy Hawkins 6:27)
B1 Monologue 1 (Milton Campbell 3:24)
B2 That's How Strong My Love Is (Roosevelt Jamison 7:52)
B3 What It Is (Milton Campbell 3:22)
B4 Little Bluebird (B.T. Jones, David Porter, Isaac Hayes 6:40)
Label: Stax – STS-3012
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1973
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Soul-Blues, Southern Soul
Waiting for Little Milton is a 1973 album by blues and R&B artist Little Milton, showcasing his soulful vocals and a blend of urban blues, funk, and soul styles. Released on the Stax label, it is considered a key work in the transition towards the smoother, more polished soul sounds popular in the 1970s.
The album is primarily noted for highlighting Little Milton's expressive, mature vocals and his sweet guitar playing. While some reviewers find the production "a little too smooth" and the overall song quality slightly uneven compared to his earlier Chess/Checker recordings, the strength of the performances makes it a worthwhile listen for dedicated fans and blues enthusiasts.
The album primarily falls under the Soul-Blues, Southern Soul, and R&B genres, featuring elements of electric and modern electric blues. It features rich orchestrations, described by some as including "bouncing basslines, powerful vocals, sweet guitar licks and badass horns".
Standout tracks often mentioned by listeners include "The Thrill Is Gone," "That's How Strong My Love Is," and "Little Bluebird". The track "Monologue 1 / That's How Strong My Love Is" is an extended piece that combines spoken word with a musical performance.
The album has generally positive user ratings, with many praising its sound quality on various reissues and its raw emotional depth.