“If you don’t know the roots, then you don’t know where you come from. All this modern music basically comes from the old blues. It’s important to make that statement, to show that history, and to keep the blues alive. At the same time, the blues must continue to develop — to grow, to spread, to take many different forms. That evolution is necessary for the blues to stay alive and remain relevant. So, I think it’s very important to know where it all began.”

Big Daddy Wilson: Blues All Day Long

Big Daddy Wilson was born in a small town called Edenton, North Carolina. Young Wilson quit school at 16, and sometime later joined the US Army. Being a poor black man in the south and living in a small town, jobs were scarce. After being stations in Germany, the young man became homesick. He went on stage, jammed all over the German blues scene and made an impression with his warm and soulful voice. He began touring with bands and as a duo and even released a few records.  Champion Jack Dupree, Louisiana Red, Eddie Boyd... many musicians who made Europe their home and brought the blues with them succeeded here better than in the U.S. Even Luther Allison lived in Europe for 14 years before his big break. And now there´s Big Daddy Wilson, an American singer and songwriter who found his home in northern Germany. But something is different regarding Big Daddy Wilson. When he came over from the U.S. there was no blues in his baggage. He initially discovered the blues in Germany which is where he will begin his international career.                              (Big Daddy Wilson / Photo by Thomas Baeslack)

Big Daddy Wilson’s new album “Smiling All Day Long” (2025) presents his producing- and songwriting talents in a more versatile set of songs than ever before. Three times Grammy nominee Eric Bibb and award-winning blues icon Hans Theessink are also featured on the album. Wilson says about the road he traveled with Smiling All Day Long: “Creating this album has been an incredible journey, and it simply wouldn't have been possible without the talent, passion, and spirit of the extraordinary musicians who joined me along the way.” Ruthie Foster thinks: “This is perfect sweet music for sitting on the front porch in the summer or for a long drive. Sending the message of blues, blessings and cool breezes! Love this album! Big Daddy Wilson has reached across the ocean and landed right on my front porch! Love the honesty and sweet feeling in his voice mixed with both blues and blessings! It feels like a cool breeze just in time!”

Interview by Michael Limnios             Archive: Big Daddy Wilson, 2022 Interview

Special Thanks: Helga Blount & Big Daddy Wilson

How do you think that you have grown as an artist since you first started making music? What has remained the same about your music-making process?

That’s a good question. I would say that I’ve grown in every way. You live and you learn, but now, after putting out 14 albums, I feel like I’m beginning to understand the music better. I feel that I’ve grown quite a bit. I’ve worked with many beautiful musicians and artists, and I’m inspired by them. All of these experiences have contributed to my growth and made me a more well-rounded artist.

I’ve experimented with all kinds of musical styles, and I’m happy about that. I’ve worked with many artists from different parts of the world, and those collaborations have enriched me. That’s the major difference between when I started and where I am now.

What do you learn about yourself from the blues, and what does the blues mean to you?

The blues is an art form — a way of explaining the world and the life that many people go through. It uses an old language, the way the older folks used to speak. To me, that is the blues.

I always say: when you sing the blues, you tell the truth.
So the blues, for me, is a mirror — the world’s mirror.

What are you doing to keep your music relevant today, to develop it, and present it to the new generation?

In my band, I have a lot of young folks. Feeding off their spirit and their vibes helps me stay relevant. Looking at the way the world turns — always speaking and reflecting on life — keeps the blues, and my music, relevant. But even while staying relevant, I always want to keep that old-school, old-fashioned vibe in what I do. The old folks have a story to tell, and the young people are just starting their journey. I’m trying to share a message — and that message is love.

“The blues is an art form — a way of explaining the world and the life that many people go through. It uses an old language, the way the older folks used to speak. To me, that is the blues.” (Big Daddy Wilson / Photo by Thomas Baeslack)

Why do you think blues music continues to generate such a devoted following in Europe?

Everybody has the blues at one time or another. Blues is a feeling — it’s not about where you’re from, it’s about how you feel. People in Europe are deep music lovers. They love art and the richness of many form of music. The blues speaks to them and touches their soul — just like it does mine.

What moment changed your music life the most?

Rhythm has always impressed me. My first love is drums and bass. When I hear percussion — congas, drums, any rhythm instrument — it reaches deep into my soul and even my stomach. Back in the day, I loved listening to the high-school marching band — those drums blew me away. And still today, if I go to a classical concert or listen to a big band, the drums amaze me every time.

How did the idea for the song and album “Smiling All Day Long” come about?

Being able to make a living from singing my songs, playing music, traveling the world, and telling my story — I know I’m blessed. When I look at my blessings, it makes me smile. And not just the music — my three kids, my wife, my brothers and sisters, my friends, my family. I’m truly blessed. So that’s where it came from: counting my blessings… smiling all day long.

Do you have any interesting stories about making the new album?

I don’t know if there’s a big story, but this album gave me the chance to play with some of my heroes like Eric Bibb and Hans Theessink, people I really admire — and also with my touring band.
Songs start one way and end up the way you hear them — and they’ll sound different again when I play them live. I’m all about how I feel in the moment.
Most of the songs come to me in the shower or when I’m playing around on the guitar. Nothing fancy — just freedom and expression.

“Everybody has the blues at one time or another. Blues is a feeling — it’s not about where you’re from, it’s about how you feel. People in Europe are deep music lovers. They love art and the richness of many form of music. The blues speaks to them and touches their soul — just like it does mine.”

(Big Daddy Wilson / Photo by Thomas Baeslack)

You’ve worked in many settings — clubs, bars, theatres, open-air festivals. How do you navigate between these different worlds?

For me, it’s pretty much the same. I wear shades — and even then, I often close my eyes. I’m deep in the music. Wherever I am, I give 110%.
Whether the audience is close up in a club, or far out in a big theatre — it’s all about reaching out and connecting deeply with people. That is what matters.

Why is it important to preserve and spread the blues? And what is the role of musicians in society today?

A famous bluesman (Willie Dixon) once said: “Blues is the root, and everything else is the fruits.” If you don’t know the roots, then you don’t know where you come from. All this modern music basically comes from the old blues. It’s important to make that statement, to show that history, and to keep the blues alive. At the same time, the blues must continue to develop — to grow, to spread, to take many different forms. That evolution is necessary for the blues to stay alive and remain relevant. So, I think it’s very important to know where it all began. I’m honoured and pleased to perform this music — it has truly been a blessing for me.

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