Willie Kent was an American blues singer, bassist, and songwriter. He began singing in church as a youth and developed an early appreciation for blues artists through the KFFA radio program King Biscuit Time, including Arthur Crudup, Sonny Boy Williamson II, and Robert Nighthawk. In 1952, he moved to Chicago, where he immersed himself in the local blues scene. In 1959, he joined Ralph and the Red Tops as a driver and manager before becoming the band’s bassist, an instrument he played for the rest of his career. He performed with major blues figures including Little Walter, Muddy Waters, Howlin’ Wolf, Junior Parker, and Arthur Stallworth. In the 1970s, he toured Europe and became frontman of the house band at Ma Bea’s Lounge, and in 1982 he joined Eddie Taylor’s Blues Band. After Taylor’s death, he formed Willie Kent & The Gents, continuing with various lineups until his own death. He received multiple W.C. Handy Awards for Best Blues Instrumentalist (Bass) from 1995 to 2005, among other honors. Kent died on March 2, 2006 in Englewood, California.
