William James Dixon was born in Vicksburg Mississippi where as teenager he began his music career singing with a gospel quintet, the Union Jubilee Singers, in which Dixon sang bass; the group regularly performed on the Vicksburg radio station WQBC. He began adapting his poems into songs and even sold some to local music groups.
Dixon left Mississippi in 1936 and moved to Chicago Illinois were he became a professional boxer and a sparring partner with Joe Louis. During his time as a boxer he met Leonard Caston at a boxing gym, where they would harmonize at times. Dixon performed in several vocal groups in Chicago, but it was Caston that persuaded him to pursue music seriously. Caston built him his first bass, made of a tin can and one string. Dixon's experience singing bass made the instrument familiar. He also learned to play the guitar.
Willie worked for several record companies including Chess Records, Bluesville Records and Cobra Records were he became a producer and produced recordings by Otis Rush, Magic Sam and Buddy Guy. He also had is own label Yambo Records.
Dixon is considered one of the key figures in the creation of Chicago Blues along with fellow singer songwriter Muddy Waters. He worked with Chuck Berry combining the blues with rock and roll and his songs have been covered by numerous British and American rock and roll bands including the Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin and Foghat.