William James Dixon (1 July 1915 – 29 January 1992) was an American blues musician, singer, songwriter and producer.

Dixon has been called “the poet laureate of the blues”, and he was one of the most prolific blues songwriters of his era, credited with writing more than 500 songs that include “Hoochie Coochie Man”, “I Can’t Quit You Baby”, “Diddy Wah Diddy” and “Back Door Man”. While at Chess Records, Dixon produced, arranged and played bass on sessions for Chuck Berry, Muddy Waters, Howlin’ Wolf and Sonny Boy Williamson.

About blues music, Dixon said:
“The blues are the roots and the other musics are the fruits. It’s better keeping the roots alive, because it means better fruits from now on. The blues are the roots of all American music. As long as American music survives, so will the blues.”