By Staff Writer
(CHICAGO IL) – Freddie Dixon is the embodiment of the Blues. The second son of the world-famous Seventh Son Willie Dixon, Freddie has been surrounded by the Blues since the day he was born. His father is a Blues legend as a songwriter, producer, and musician, at the helm of Chess Records for many of the sides cut in the 1950’s, 60s, and into the 70’s. Freddie began his career learning his chops playing with many musicians in Chicago’s numerous South-side Blues clubs. He was soon hired to play in his father’s band, The Chicago Blues All-Stars, and traveled around the world spreading the Gospel of the Blues. He continues to perform as Freddie Dixon and the Chicago Blues All-Stars as well as the Freddie Dixon Blues Band (Freddie Dixon, bass and lead vocals; Bob Lassandrello, guitar; Tom Stober, guitar; Judy Lei, violin; and Grant Neibergall, percussion).
The proverbial torch was handed to Freddie in the early 1990’s when Willie Dixon passed away. Since then, Freddie has continued as a Blues Ambassador, playing in front of crowds from Europe to Australia, as well as locally in Chicago. In 2020, Freddie — along with Chicago Blues legends John Watkins and Maurice John Vaughan — produced a well-received two-disc CD called 3By3 . Freddie Dixon is a proud member of the Chicago Blues Hall Of Fame,
Blues-E-News recently did 5 Quick Questions with Freddie. Here’s how it went.
BEN: What’s the very latest and greatest goings-on with yourself, your band, and your overall career in general?
Dixon: The very latest and greatest goings-on with myself, my band and my overall career include trips planned to England, China, Africa, and Australia. This world tour promises to be stimulating, exciting and educational. Keeping the blues alive has always been my intention, not just in the United States, but internationally, as well.
BEN: In 2021 yourself, Maurice John Vaughan, and John Watkins – all three of you, Chicago Blues Hall of Fame members – released an ambitious, well-received 2-cd set, 3by3. Any plans for a follow-up recording with those same gentlemen?
Dixon: Maurice John Vaughn, John Watkins, and I plan to release a follow-up CD to 3By3. This one will also include several of my father (Willie Dixon’s) songs, and –
BEN: As you grow older (like a finely aged wine), how has that influenced either your live performances, playing and/or songwriting?
Dixon: As I’ve grown older, I’ve learned not to take any performance for granted. I appreciate the fact that God has given me the ability and opportunity to share my craft with Blues lovers everywhere. I always give my best each time because one never knows who might be there, opening doors.
BEN: Let’s give a shout-out to the current members of your Freddie Dixon Blues Band (by name and instrument they play).
Dixon: My band members are Bob Lassandrello – Guitar, Tom Stober- Guitar, Judy Lei– Violin, Grant Neibergall – Percussion, and me, Freddie Dixon – Bass. Special Guests sometimes include Janet X(tra) – Chanteuse, and Poet/Spoken Word Artist, The Dixon Vixen.
BEN: Where can your fanbase and those wanting to learn more about Freddie Dixon find you on Social Media?
Dixon: Those wanting to learn more about The Freddie Dixon Blues Band can find me on Social Media at: mybusinessisblues.com.
(Catch the Freddie Dixon Blues Band live at The Quarry Ballroom, 121 Williams St. in Thornton, Illinois, Saturday, July 2 at 7:00pm. Free to the Public).
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