Nobody did the blues quite like Howlin’ Wolf. He was an incredible electric Chicago blues artist, with a powerful voice, excellent harmonica skills, and legendary prowess with the electric guitar. He moved swiftly through blues and rock and psychedelia with ease, and he inspired countless rock stars who followed in his footsteps. Let’s take a look at just a few of Howlin’ Wolf’s most influential songs!
1. “Moanin’ At Midnight”
This 1951 hit was the song that introduced Howlin’ Wolf to a broader audience. With Ike Turner on the keys, Willie Steele banging on the drums, and Willie Johnson playing guitar, the quality of this blues song is the sum of its parts. But it would be nothing without Howlin’ Wolf at the center of it all.
Videos by American Songwriter
When famed record producer Sam Phillips first heard “Moanin’ At Midnight”, he said that it was the “most different” song he had ever heard at that point.
2. “Killing Floor”
“Killing Floor” is one of the best Howlin’ Wolf songs to come out of the early 1960s. And according to many a fan and blues aficionado alike, this song marked a clear pivot for electric blues.
Jimi Hendrix was one of many rock stars to cover the song, as did Led Zeppelin. “Killing Floor” is definitely a classic Chicago electric blues song, but there’s an element there that feels almost like rock. At the very least, it definitely inspired rock stars.
3. “The Red Rooster”
This standout track from The Howlin’ Wolf Album is on the lighter side of blues, but the core elements of the blues are still very much there. Huber Sumlin’s guitar work (with the wah-wah) is top-tier on “The Red Rooster”.
4. “Smokestack Lightnin’”
One of Howlin’ Wolf’s earlier songs from the mid-1950s, “Smokestack Lightnin’” is a memorable hit from the blues icon for a reason. It’s such an intricate part of Howlin’ Wolf’s legacy, complete with that legendary howl.
His unique way of singing is at the front and center of this song. We’d be bold enough to say that out of every Howlin’ Wolf song out there, “Smokestack Lightnin’” is the most essential. Like “Killing Floor”, this song sounds like rock and roll being haunted by the blues, in a way that only Howlin’ Wolf could produce.
Photo by Sandy Guy Schoenfeld/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.
More The List
-
(Original Caption) A singer called Joni. Joni Mitchell, Canadian singer-songwriter, United Kingdom, 1968. The guitar-pickin' gal is Joni Mitchell, a long blonde haired Canadian folk singer. Pictured last night outside the Revolution club, Joni is here (until 1st October) for radio, television and concert appearances. Apart from concert appearances, 25 year old Joni will be heard on "Top Gear" on Radio One and "The Monday Show" on BBC 1. (Photo by © Hulton-Deutsch Collection/CORBIS/Corbis via Getty Images) -
English rock band the Beatles arrive at London Airport from the USA, with their manager Brian Epstein (1934 – 1967, in coach doorway), 2nd September 1965. From left to right, John Lennon (1940 – 1980), George Harrison (1943 – 2001), Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr. (Photo by George Stroud/Express/Hulton Archive/Getty Images) -
George Jones, who released several country songs about whiskey -
Elvis Presley and Scotty Moore (left) performing on The Milton Berle Show at NBC's Hollywood studio, Los Angeles, California, 5th June 1956. Presley performed 'I Want You, I Need You, I Love You' and 'Hound Dog'. Press reaction to his performance was largely negative with his gyrating movements during 'Hound Dog' proving particularly controversial. (Photo by Bettmann Archive/Getty Images) -
Singer and musician Merle Haggard performs at the Poplar Creek Music Theater, Hoffman Estates, Illinois, August 16, 1983. (Photo by Paul Natkin/Getty Images) -
John Rzeznik of Goo Goo Dolls at event, New York, 1990s. (Photo by Steve Eichner/Getty Images) -
Photo by Michael Putland/Getty Images -
Pop group The Byrds (l to r): Chris Hillman; Dave Crosby; Mike Clark; Jim McGuinn; and Gene Clark. (Photo by © Hulton-Deutsch Collection/CORBIS/Corbis via Getty Images)