Walter Williams, known as Lefty Dizz, was born on April 29, 1937, in Osceola, Arkansas. He learned guitar while serving in the United States Air Force from 1952 to 1956. After moving to Chicago, he began his professional music career and joined Sonny Thompson's band in 1958. Dizz became a member of Junior Wells' backing ensemble in 1964, touring worldwide until 1971. He then joined Hound Dog Taylor and the HouseRockers until Taylor’s death in 1975. Dizz formed his own band, Shock Treatment, known for flamboyant performances. He released albums including Somebody Stole My Christmas (1979) and posthumously The Healer (2007). His live performances were witnessed by members of the Rolling Stones and Foghat, and he played on the recording of Live at the Checkerboard Lounge, Chicago 1981. Dizz died from esophageal cancer on September 7, 1993.
