Hey there. My little farm yard has become a little smaller. My daughter’s found her own apartment and she’s got a J.O.B.
She came home after law school to quarantine and study for the Bar exam. That’s behind her now. And so are Ma an Pa.
So things are, well … different.
Forgive us for sending another lawyer into the world, but at least she’s got a strong musical background and a little love for the Blues. (We didn’t fail completely.)
This week: I’m shining a Spotlight on one of the true pillars of the Blues.
And then in Short Licks, there’s a film alert, a lustful guitar video, and a little self-indulgence. (Wait…isn’t that what all of this is?)
Spotlight – Howlin’ Wolf
Photo by Alamy.com
A Strong House Needs a Solid Foundation.
So it makes sense that if you want to build a strong appreciation of the Blues, you need to have a solid foundation there as well. That’s why knowing a little bit about Howlin’ Wolf is important. Born in Mississippi in 1910, Chester Arthur Burnett (AKA “Howlin’ Wolf”) is a true Blues cornerstone.
The Young Wolf
Like most Bluesmen, Wolf began performing early on. He mimicked the popular musicians of his day with the guitar and harmonica as his instruments of choice. But it was his gravelly, growling voice that set him apart. It was said that his voice could both rock the house and scare everybody in it at the same time.
By his early 20’s, Wolf was a local celebrity in many of the small clubs in Mississippi. By then he had added one of the first electric guitars to his arsenal and his solo career was moving pretty well. Then World War II hit.
He was drafted into the Army and did his bit as one of the last Buffalo Soldiers in the 9th Cavalry Regiment. And when his Army stretch was up, he resumed his career in earnest.
Life Begins at 40
Wolf was still a local Bluesman in 1951 when Ike Turner “discovered” him and brought him to Memphis to record. Success and the usual record company shenanigans came next. But Chess Records ultimately secured Wolf’s contract and he moved to Chicago around 1953.
Chicago was the Mecca for Blues music in the 50’s. And Mississippi Delta Blues was evolving from an acoustic-driven style into an electrified, amplified, urban version. Wolf found a home in that scene and helped lead the transformation.
Chi-Town and Beyond
By the late 50’s and early 60’s Wolf was flying pretty high on the R&B charts.
Songs like “Smokestack Lightning,” “I Ain’t Superstitious,” and “Spoonful” were charting well but hadn’t broken through to a national audience. That changed in 1965 when the Rolling Stones recorded “The Red Rooster” (AKA “Little Red Rooster”) and made it a number one hit in England.
At that point Wolf’s songs became hot properties. Everyone from the Doors to Led Zeppelin began recording them. That meant TV appearances, radio air play, and international tours. The world opened up.
Wolf was able to take advantage of it all until his health began to fail. He died of complications from kidney surgery in 1976. Way too early with much more music to make.
The Outro
At 6 feet 3 inches and somewhere around 300 pounds, Howlin’ Wolf was one concrete block of a man. And just like a concrete block, his work supported and sustained much of the Blues framework we’ve all enjoyed for more than half a century.
There isn’t a Blues or Rock performer today that doesn’t have some of Howlin’ Wolf’s tunes in their repertoire. “Little Red Rooster” alone has probably been recorded more than a 100 times. And you’ve enjoyed many of his tunes without probably ever knowing they were his.
Here’s a short playlist of just a few of Wolf’s tunes. You can lose days exploring all of the rest.
Short Licks
Photo by Clem Onojeghuo, on Unsplash
The Thrill is On
“I promised B.B. King before he died, I will honor him and his creative genius. An American Icon.” That’s what actor Wendell Pierce said about portraying B.B. in an upcoming movie. Wendell’s a great actor – you may have seen him in Suits or Jack Ryan. He plays the guitar too. (This could be real good.)
Wendell Pierce Cast as B.B. King in Upcoming Film
Chicago Virtuosa
When you visit Chicago, you need to check out at least 3 things. Wrigley Field, Navy Pier, and Joanna Connor at Kingston Mines. Joanna’s been a fixture there since the 80’s and she’s still rockin’ it. The club’s trying to reopen with social distancing so like most venues, they need your support. You can’t beat their motto: “Hear Blues, Drink Booze, Talk Loud, You’re Among Friends.”
Walter Trout’s Guitar
Speaking of love/hate relationships (was I?) Walter Trout has a new “signature” guitar. I love the idea, but I hate it too because my wife won’t let me buy another one. (Grrrr) But that shouldn’t stop you. This guitar was custom-built by Delaney Guitars in Texas and it’s a beaut! If you’re a real geek, check out the specs on it. If not, just watch Walter’s video tour and be prepared drool. (Oh the agony.)
John Nemeth’s “Stronger Than Strong”
Harp player, singer, songwriter John Nemeth’s new album “Stronger than Strong” deserves a listen. The rhythms are sharp. John’s voice reminds me a little of Joe Walsh, and his harmonica work is really spot-on. The album fits together like an easy jigsaw puzzle. I dug it.
I Just Couldn’t Resist
Okay, so I mentioned in an earlier newsletter that William Shatner had a Blues album coming out called “The Blues.” And I shared his version of “The Thrill is Gone” with you all. (Yeah, I know.) Well, I couldn’t help myself. Here’s a video of another tune he covered — “Screamin’ Jay” Hawkins’ “I Put a Spell On You.” (Somewhere, “Screamin’ Jay’ is, well, screamin’.)
I’ll Leave You With…
“Kill Or Be Kind” by Samantha Fish
(Silky smooth to the last drop)
Thanks for reading,
Jon
Jon Beres
I’m one part Blues Fan and one part Digital Native (with a dash of Curmudgeon.) I’m also the publisher of AlltheWayBlue.com. If you love the Blues, I have a feeling we’ll get along just fine - cheers!
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