- published: 20 Dec 2012
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Harold "Chuck" Willis (January 31, 1928 – April 10, 1958) was an American blues, rhythm and blues, and rock and roll singer and songwriter. His biggest hits, "C. C. Rider" (1957) and "What Am I Living For" (1958), both reached No.1 on the Billboard R&B chart. He was known as The King of the Stroll for his performance of the 1950s dance the stroll.
Willis was born in Atlanta, Georgia. Willis was spotted at a talent contest by Atlanta radio disc jockey Zenas Sears, who became his manager and helped him to sign with Columbia Records in 1951. After one single, Willis began recording on a Columbia subsidiary, Okeh. During his stay at Okeh, he established himself as a popular R&B singer and songwriter. In 1956, he moved to Atlantic Records where he had immediate success with "It's Too Late (She's Gone)", "Juanita" and "Love Me Cherry". His most successful recording was "C.C. Rider", which topped the US Billboard R&B chart in 1957 and also crossed over and sold well in the pop market. "C.C. Rider" was a remake of a twelve-bar blues, performed by Ma Rainey in Atlanta before Willis was born. Its relaxed beat, combined with a mellow vibraphone backing and chorus, inspired the emergence of the popular dance, the stroll. Willis's follow-up was "Betty and Dupree", another "stroll" song, which also did well. Willis' single "Going to the River", a song by Dave Bartholomew and Fats Domino, was a prototype for his "stroll" sound, reaching No.4 on the R&B chart.
It's too late, she's gone
Too Late Too Late
It's too late, my baby's gone
Too Late Too Late
Wish I had told her she was my only one
But It's too late, she's gone
It's a weak man that cries
Boo Hoo Hoo
So I guess I'd best dry my eyes
Yes I will miss her more than anyone
But it's too late she's gone
She's gone, Ah she's gone
She's gone, my baby's gone
She's gone, yes she's gone
Where can my baby be?
I wonder does she know
Too Late, Too Late
When she left me, it hurt me so
Too Late, Too Late
I need your lovin, please don't make me wait
And Tell me it's not too late.
Music Interlude
I need your loving, please don't make me wait
And tell me it's not too late
It's not too late.