Wesley Willis

Wesley Willis was a Chicago musician who played a hyper-simplified keyboard with just his right thumb. His songs like 'Rock And Roll Mcdonalds' and 'Electra 225' had a raw, direct quality that came from his particular way of seeing the world. He performed at open mics and street corners around the city in the 1980s and 1990s.

His debut album 'Even Better Than the Real Thing' came out in 1991. The track 'Rock And Roll Mcdonalds' became something of a cult hit, leading to wider recognition and tours. Other songs in his catalog included 'Chronic Schizophrenia', 'Michael Jackson', and 'Arnold Schwarzenegger', all delivered in his distinctive spoken-sung style over simple keyboard patterns.

Willis worked as a solo artist, writing and recording his material alone. His music attracted a following that appreciated its unfiltered perspective, even as some critics found it challenging. He kept making albums through the 1990s, including 'Feel the Power' and 'Spookydooky', maintaining a consistent approach throughout.