Darlynn John, Widow of Little willie John, Dies at 92
A quiet force behind a music legend, Darlynn John, widow of rhythm and blues icon Little Willie John, passed away on September 21 in Taylor, Michigan, at the age of 92. Her death marks the end of an era for those who remember the vibrant music scene of the 1950s and 60s, and the tumultuous life of the man she loved.
Born December 4, 1932, in North Carolina to Willie and Margaret Bonner, Darlynn’s early life took her from the South to Philadelphia, where she pursued her own artistic ambitions. After graduating from Simon Gratz High School, she worked as a model and joined the hortense Allen Dancers, a troupe that would ultimately lead her to a fateful encounter with a rising star.
It was in 1957,while performing with her dance troupe at the Apollo Theater in Harlem,New York City,that Darlynn met Little Willie John. The Apollo, at the time, was the epicenter of Black entertainment, and John was headlining over artists like James Brown, enjoying the peak of his fame. A charming anecdote reveals John’s character even before their romance blossomed: he quietly began paying off Darlynn’s debts from a backstage card game called “tonk.” “Willie was a better dancer than I was,” darlynn once recalled, adding, “He was so alive, such a jovial person. I never saw him angry.”
despite being a star in his own right, Little Willie John was known for writing songs that became hits for others, including “(later popularized by Peggy Lee), “Need Your Love so bad” (later recorded by Fleetwood Mac), and “Leave My Kitten Alone” (covered by The Beatles). But by 1964, his career began to decline, compounded by struggles with alcohol and epilepsy. Legal troubles followed, including arrests for marijuana possession and assault.
Tragedy struck in October 1965 when John was involved in an altercation at an after-hours party in Seattle while fulfilling club dates. He was defending a woman guest when he argued with a railroad worker who was later found stabbed. John was convicted and sentenced to prison in Walla walla, Washington. He died in his cell in the spring of 1968 at the age of 30.
John’s funeral in Detroit was a star-studded affair, attended by music royalty including Diana Ross and Berry Gordy, with Sam & Dave and Johnnie Taylor serving as pallbearers. However, Darlynn was left to navigate life as a single mother to two young sons, aged 10 and 8, supporting them through work in a record store and later as a bank teller.
Despite the hardships, Darlynn raised her sons with strength and resilience. Both Kevin and Keith John pursued music, with Keith John enjoying a long career singing backup for Stevie Wonder for over 25 years. “Those boys turned out well,no doubt because of her,” remarked writer/musician kim Field,who penned a Village Voice cover story on Little Willie John in the 1990s that reignited interest in his music.
Darlynn made a rare public appearance in 1995, accepting the honor of her late husband’s induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame alongside their son Keith, presented by Stevie Wonder. She often reflected on the joy John brought to her life, even during difficult times. “If the sun wasn’t shining, and it was dreary, Willie could change the day,” she once said. “We would have had a beautiful life,” she added, “I can’t remember a time, even now, when I don’t miss him. But I will see him again.”
Darlynn John is survived by her two sons, Kevin John (Cathy) and Keith John; three grandsons, Kevin II John (Michelle) and Keith John (Shannon); and four great-grandsons, Kevin III, Kaleb, Karson, and Kai. Funeral arrangements are pending.
Susan Whitall is the author (with Kevin John) of the Little Willie John biography “Fever.”
