For the rest of time, the cowbell will be associated less with cows than with Saturday Night Live. During a spoof of the Blue Oyster Cult’s hit, “(Don’t Fear) the Reaper,” actor Christopher Walken comes out and demands more cowbell from the band.
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So, for now, and forever, SNL, Walken, the song, and the percussion instrument are linked. That’s the power of the skit. But that truth also got us thinking: What are the best songs that feature cowbell not recorded by the Blue Oyster Cult?
1. “Born On The Bayou,” Creedence Clearwater Revival
John Fogerty might have the best singing voice in the history of rock. It’s like a muddy Jeep tire through a cold swamp. And somehow pairing it with the ringing, hollow sound of a cowbell, as on the song “Born On The Bayou,” makes for a delightful combo.
2. “Stone Free,” Jimi Hendrix
“Stone Free” kicks off with cowbell right from the outset. Like an amplified raindrop in your ear, it propels and tortures until it blends into music and Hendrix’ rough voice. In the song, the instrument is terrific.
3. “Low Rider,” WAR
Outside of the Blue Oyster Cult, this is probably the most famous use of the cowbell in popular music. It plays throughout this infamous song that has been in many movies, TV shows, and commercials. With horns and other wild instruments, it fits right in.
4. “We’re an American Band,” Grand Funk Railroad
Another track where the cowbell kicks off right away is “We’re an American Band.” It hammers home the power you’re about to hear with this psychedelic rock song. Take it all in and let the cowbell pelt you with splashes of sound.
5. “Honky Tonk Women,” The Rolling Stones
When you bring the honky tonk, there’s something about the cowbell that just fits—like a spur hitting the metal of a spittoon. Here, the ‘Stones master the art of Western rhythm and blues, thanks, at least in small part, to the cowbell.
Photo by Michael Putland/Getty Images
