Little Milton

James Milton Campbell, Jr. (September 7, 1934 – August 4, 2005), better known as Little Milton, was an American blues singer and guitarist, best known for his hit records Grits Ain't Groceries, Walking the Back Streets and Crying, and We're Gonna Make It.
Little Milton – A Brief Look Into the Life and Music of the Blues Legend
Music has the ability to move us in ways that are indescribable. It can transport us to a different time and place and evoke emotions that may have been buried deeply for years. Little Milton, born James Milton Campbell Jr., is an American blues singer, guitarist, and songwriter who has the power to do just that. With a career spanning over five decades, Little Milton has recorded several iconic songs that resonate even today. In this blog post, we take a closer look into the life and musical career of Little Milton, his contribution to the blues genre, and some of his best work.
Little Milton was born on September 7th, 1934, in Inverness, Mississippi. His family moved to Greenville when he was a child, and that’s where he first picked up the guitar. At the tender age of 12, he was already performing in various juke joints and clubs in the area. In 1952, he moved to Memphis and started exploring the city’s thriving music scene. He worked as a session musician for Sun Records, and it was during this time that he came into contact with legends like Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, and Carl Perkins.
Little Milton’s music resonates mainly with blues enthusiasts. His signature sound blends elements of Blues, R&B, and Soul music to create a style that is unique, energetic, and emotionally stirring. One of his most iconic songs is Grits Ain’t Groceries, released in 1969. Other popular tracks include We’re Gonna Make It and The Blues Is Alright, to which he won a Grammy Award for Best Traditional Blues Album in 1986. Little Milton’s work has also been covered by several artists from different genres, including B.B. King, Al Green, and Elvis Costello.
Little Milton has performed in several legendary concerts throughout his career, including the 1969 Wattstax concert, where he performed That’s What Love Will Make You Do. Wattstax was a concert organized to commemorate the seventh anniversary of 1965’s Watts riots. The concert was attended by over 100,000 people, and its film received critical acclaim. Little Milton also performed at the 1996 Presidential Inauguration of Bill Clinton, showcasing the reach and versatility of his music.
No discussion of Little Milton’s music would be complete without touching on his guitar skills. His guitar playing style blends the raunchiness of blues guitar with the soulful sounds of R&B. He has a unique approach to playing that gives him the ability to deliver catchy riffs and impressive solos. Little Milton’s guitar work complements his vocals, making each song he performs a complete masterpiece.
In conclusion, Little Milton’s contribution to the world of Blues music cannot be overstated. He was a legend who inspired and influenced hundreds of musicians throughout his career. His style, sound, and songs continue to be celebrated even today, long after his passing. Little Milton once said, Music is my way of life, the only thing I know how to do and do well. And that is evident in the lasting impact he’s had on the music industry. For all music enthusiasts, especially blues fans, a deep dive into Little Milton’s work is a must. His music is timeless and remains a true testament to a life well-lived.