Howlin' Wolf "Smokestack Lightning" Live 1964 (Reelin' In The Years Archives)

This is the only known filmed version of "Smokestack Lightning" by Howlin' Wolf. This was shot in England during the famed American Folk Blues Festival tours and features the legendary Hubert Sumlin on guitar. In addition to other great Howlin' Wolf footage, our archive houses many iconic blues performances from Muddy Waters, Lightning Hopkins, Sonny Boy Williamson, Willie Dixon, Son House, Mississippi Fred McDowell, John Lee Hooker, Big Mama Thornton, T-Bone Walker and Buddy Guy.
Reelin' In The Years Productions houses the world's largest library of music footage, containing over 20,000 hours of material covering nearly every genre from the last 60 years. We have live concerts, TV appearances, interviews, in-studio segments, b-roll and more. In addition to music we have thousands of hours of interviews with the most recognizable celebrities, comedians, politicians, athletes, artists and authors of the 20th Century. If you need footage for your film, documentary, TV show, commercial, museum exhibit or presentation, we are your one-stop shop. Visit our online database at www.reelininthe... to explore our archive, but please email us as we are constantly adding new material to the archive. We do not supply material to fans or collectors under any circumstance, so please do not contact us if that is your intention.

[@jfont5899]

My father has azheimer, but when I played this and asked him who the artist was singing, He replied, hollering wolf. i grew up listening to him . He started to sing and dance . Music real music goes wayyy back 🔥

[@lennyluzitano8920]

Right on brother.... your Dad... remembers...the Howling Wolf.....

[@ryanmurphy4748]

Keep the memories alive bro. Your dad, you, your kids, their kids....

[@jfont5899]

@@ryanmurphy4748 Thank you bro !

[@jfont5899]

@@lennyluzitano8920 Thank you !

[@corydysart4668]

Him and muddy no one can replace

[@harrisonwintergreen1147]

raised in absolute poverty but as an adult got his GED and took some business and accounting classes in college to better manage his career. hell of a smart guy.

[@richieohanlon]

Yup!! And if his musicians were out of work, he paid their unemployment

[@L1V2P9]

Too bad other blues artists didn't follow his example. It was so tragic how shysters stole their songs, exploited and cheated them. Many died in poverty as a result.

[@michelefrye3321]

Very intelligent.

[@TheMightyGreenEagle]

@Bullets in Bacon Grease Well, aside from the story of Led Zeppelin, which has been repeated too often to go into here, I suspect what Randall was talking about is the way that record companies cheated these bluesmen out of almost every penny they earned. And if you think that didn't happen, it was certainly still common up through the seventies, and probably still is.

[@toyman81]

Amen Brother, Amen!!!

[@daddyg1973]

No voice lessons. No auto tune. No tricks. All power. All real.

[@SenseiIceman]

all the characteristics of great talent

[@kacema7048]

Real talent don´t need tricks.

[@javierbh1]

AND feeling

[@kimberlydillard1090]

Sounds awesome!!

[@christopher19894]

The best part is how he gets all loud, rough and raw, but then he contrasts it with those sweet high-pitch ooohs. Unreal.

[@joearnold1148]

I watched 2 sets of The Wolf's show at Paul's Mall in Boston waiting to hear Smokestack Lightning but when I asked the band about it they said the Wold was done for the night. I went over and told the Wolf I'd been waiting since 1960 in Mississippi to see him sing that song live. He said, "Son, you waited long enough " and got back up on the stage and dedicated the song to me. He asked me to stay at his table and have a drink with him! What a great guy and a great musician!

[@Tom-xe9iq]

That's a great story!!!

[@mailman2332]

​@@Tom-xe9iq Happy is a understatement

[@whatsinaname6926]

One of the best stories I’ve ever heard.

[@nathan5871]

Absolutely a wonderful story. Thank you for sharing that!!

[@chrismatteson2337]

Wow! Great story!

[@marsazorean62]

This IS just another example of what REALLY made America great.

[@gregoryrussell3221]

When will yall embrace yourselves in US. WE inherited all of your dirty TRICKS..

[@x0xTHLover4Lifex0x]

@@gregoryrussell3221 who are you talking about. Be specific in your argument

[@kmac3215]

Made

[@richmcconnell3346]

Oh FoSho........

[@whitenoiserelaxationsleep3529]

and thats on donald.

[@Playthellgb42]

The actor who played "The Wolf" in the movie Cadillac Records should have won an ACADEMY AWARD, because his characterization was MAGNiFICENT!!! He really captured this unique and powerful man!!

[@sloansv]

Lol..and he's a soft spoken British man..but truly got into this character plus the striking resemblance is erry

[@elliottwilliams9221]

Yeah but instead they nominated Beyoncé and the the other guy who hated in him the entire movie, that same actor is in Chicago PD. His characterization is almost better than the real howling wolf.

[@chrisubias7135]

Playthell Benjamin great movie

[@lindanorris2455]

EAMON WALKER. HE IS ALSO A MOVIE STAR! WATCH Mr. Walker in The George Gently Series.

[@15nanoseconds]

When I first saw the movie and even now, this man's performance turned my insides to jello! Hauntingly sexy!

[@willclark6607]

I love everybody here just because they love the blues just like me

[@ashleynothingbutgreatnesss3639]

Love you back ❤

[@lauradossantosballejos3427]

🙌🏻❤🙌🏻

[@jakep714]

Ok..

[@Fastrip]

Good comment ✌

[@stephanlarsen8169]

And that means you love people and animals the rocks clouds sky ..

[@Stephen-ou4sy]

I'm 72 years old and my 12 year old granddaughter has inherited my love of the blues. Thank God for that.

[@robertfitch310]

I’m almost 71, I love introducing all sorts of music to my two grandchildren. Granddaughter turned 9 yesterday, grandson is 7, they love to boogie, but also love inspirational music, like Michelle McLaughlin while swing in the swing looking up at the giant Redwood trees where I live.🌲⛰

[@kevinchamberlain7928]

Yeah but which god?

[@robertfitch310]

@@kevinchamberlain7928 I believe that there is only ONE God in this universe. Perhaps the God of all faiths, but it’s a little early to get into a theological discussion. I also believe his son, Jesus, paid for my sins and has given me over 3 decades of sobriety from crack/ alcohol. Amen!🙏

[@MrEcayetano]

Me pasa lo mismo mi nieta tiene 7 años.

[@FireBall8881]

It’s someone on every video swearing they’re 70+, and whatever story to go along with. I personally think they’re🤖. Can’t convince me otherwise. Majority of our elders out here don’t even mess with internet like that. But go on….. 😌

[@tatertae5730]

As a black man I take true pride in these individuals that truly defined music. They can never take this from us.

[@christophercolumbus1169]

Music don’t care what color you are.

[@danialm8122]

@@christophercolumbus1169 so you are white.

[@KOLDBLU3ST33L]

Why would anybody. The greats are The greats. 😎

[@FYMASMD]

They don't wanna. Bullshit.

[@christophercolumbus1169]

Danial M I can’t simply take pride in an artist because I share their skin tone because I’ve grown up thinking it never really mattered. I would never say “I love Bob Dylan, he makes me proud to be a white man” because I’ve truly never thought it. I just like his music. My skin color matters as much as yours when it comes to enjoying music... it doesn’t.

[@ryandrivon1638]

I don’t care who says otherwise this man is the definition of pure grit and passion

[@crissy3835]

AGREED!! 😎

[@sundarmann6167]

Ain't no denying that!

[@youreokayboah2128]

Why tf do people say “I don’t care what anyone says” as if they’re saying something controversial? everyone is here for Howlin Wolf lmao

[@trustnoone9931]

💯👍👍👍

[@knowledgekey1978]

To me the real King of the Blues. No disrespect to B.B. King.

[@kingbradson5813]

Who's still listening in 2024

[@annbernadettemiller7199]

yup

[@wellbbq]

Da Tail Dragger is the Best!!!

[@mickeythompson24]

I am! And doing so on Leap Day 2/29/24. Much Love From New Orleans Everyone 💜💚💛

[@KC-gy5xw]

MEEEEEEEE!!!!!!

[@Justina2555]

✋️

[@docjones712]

Did he just say, "Whatever R&B is?" This is history right here.

[@ncooty]

I thought he was insinuating that musical labels and categories are a bit arbitrary and useless.

[@billmavin6203]

You really need to read up about the great Chris Barber he was a great supporter of American blues, and his comment was a dig against labels

[@notmyname3681]

Yeah, that was 100% a 'We call it blues, still' comment.

[@RAlexander-ij6rm]

Just disrespectful.. tryna discredit people right to their face

[@allisong1351]

Shameful yall don't understand the absolute history of that comment... it was in support not degrading! Fools!

[@jenespears3140]

You dont sing like that unless you've known pain. His voice gives me chills everytime love it

[@andersonhilliard1940]

I believe he would have been a good preacher, with his voice. N size.THE MIGHTY WOLF..R.I.P MOAN WOLF

[@sharkbot25]

theres some sort of background story to it for sure

[@thetravelingmaid]

Everyone knows pain

[@michaelsmith2412]

And who alive hasn't "known pain"?

[@wildman8609]

I was about to type this same comment. But you’ve already got it dawlin. 😤

[@tiffany171720052005]

I love how they characterized him in Cadillac Records. He was all man. They don't make men like him anymore.. A force to be reckon with! Pure energy!

[@seed_drill7135]

Allegedly, when he was a poor sharecropper, he would hook himself to the plow he was so strong. Taught himself to read after he started to become successful. And didn't tolerate his band being drunk at gigs.

[@montebronson8314]

YATHAT HE Was:^::::SmokeStack::;- HE IS

[@lexxiebodine1788]

GIRL-OMGGGGGGG-ALLLL MAN!!!! YES!

[@tlc4369]

"Let the church say...Amen!"

[@duanecolbert9196]

its good to see women appreaciate the real mc coy

[@machiavellisprince5986]

I'm a 46 year old black man and it's 2021 and I knew these kind of men. You didn't play around with them. Fearless men who grew up around so much murder that it's hard to fathom. Men like my grandfather. They carried around enormous pain. Every once in a while they'd forget themselves and tell you about their friend who was lynched when they were a teenager. Or they'd tell you about their sister who was raped by a white sheriff. Then they'd catch themselves and end the story as quickly as it started. They didn't want to pass along that pain to you. But you knew they'd kill a man if they hadn't already because that was survival. Hard drinking. Hard fighting. Women. And running from God. The way he's singing... that's church. That's gospel music stuff. We'd sing like that at church for an hour or two straight.

[@uptownslim84]

Facts bro I’m 37 grew up in Mississippi Wolf kinda reminds me of my grandfather and your right about the pain those men had to deal with especially men of that stature and size back then was a immediate target I remember he told me a story one time he was walking to the store and in the front laid out was a dead black man shot to death

[@agnegustafsson2019]

This was real men😈

[@miraclesblessings5044]

Yes, he reminds me of my great grandfather who used to tell us about growing up in Texas. He had to leave because a white man grabbed his girlfriend's butt and he said he was sick of white men just doing whatever they wanted to black women, especially right in his face he felt like they were trying him like ain't a damn thing that he could do or say. But he beat the white man almost to death so he left, the girlfriend was afraid to leave Texas. He went to Chicago!

[@wesleyculpepper4571]

Brother you told the truth that time. You just spoke about my great grandpa on my dad's side and grandpa and uncle's on my mom's. Gotta love middle and south Georgia!

[@mikearchibald744]

There's a story that Howlin Wolf sometimes had to pull over and beat up his own band. Most managers I tell that to said "Sometimes thats what you had to do". But apparantly he paid very well to his musicians. But anybody in that world knows musicians can be pretty messed up people. Mick Jagger pretty much ripped off his whole visual act. Apparantly nobody gave a show like howlin wolf, except maybe screaming jay:)

[@wullyjohnjockhughmccrory660]

Now there’s a man that understood the assignment

[@jadender]

“And he’s been howlin’ at the moon ever since”

[@shirleyconerly2724]

Love it❤😂

[@rondalbriggs9491]

Right On JJ😊

[@941lowelife2]

Yes after the dead man rose from the grave and tune his axe😄

[@ladybhive1210]

😄😄💓

[@lamontmorgan1460]

Love that movie

[@howardharp]

I saw him perform fifty three years ago. He's the reason I play harmonica. This was a great version!

[@chrisheroldt5871]

This isn’t thee Howard levy, is it?

[@dorshemtov5554]

He is the reason I play blues

[@richardj9016]

My son has just bought his first set of harmonicas. He’s learning Smokestack Lightning.

[@jensutherland3597]

Om my that is so great you are lucky

[@grasshoffers]

What is a good harmonica to play and what key is he playing in for this song?

[@MrAllie-bf6zt]

It's 2022 and this still hits hard!!!

[@eboneep6354]

I swear

[@d3ziii]

and it will hit hard 500 years later from now on, music is endless

[@Allen216.]

This song slap

[@byronholmes2496]

Just Pure.

[@stevetrivago]

No filters… no ego… just several smooth dudes sitting around doin their thing… Music today pretty much sucks.

[@charlesatty]

At 72 i listen to these old blues masters and dont know whether to cry, dance or shout, but damn sure know im alive

[@lamontcranston3177]

Rock music was youth music but hard blues like this is for all ages. I'm pushing 70 myself. I first heard the Wolf when I was kid. Loved him then. Love him now. Just stopped by for another fix. This clip is great! The 1964 English audience got introduced to something powerful! They seem to know it too!

[@katstewart5267]

Oct.4,2024 🎶🎼🎵. Dance 2 your Souls desire. This gem was a true treasure. Much L💚VE & blessings .🎶🎼🎵 👍🤘 🇨🇦🍁

[@Full-Moon-Mustang]

Rock on old boy you grew up in them good old days

[@luvbasses5487]

I feel almost ashamed that at 53 years old, this is the first I’ve seen of this clip. All of our British heroes looked up to this guy. He was responsible for SO much. My homework never ends on these legendary blues figures.

[@markabboud8564]

Check out Bukka White and Blind Willie McTell. You Was Born To Die is one of the best blues songs ever written.

[@Homelander6697]

iam 21 and im ashamed as well what a masterpiece what a salvation this song is

[@michaelsmith2412]

@@Homelander6697 Is this "im ashamed" a mee tooo moment/

[@Homelander6697]

@@michaelsmith2412 it definitely is me too moment I'm not really ashamed i just expressed it like this way I always act like a old man because sometimes in my head I feel like a old man don't get me wrong here I'm young and muscular also healthy but I love to be myself not what other people want to expect from me

[@parabola8019]

You are looking and listening to one of the best that ever did it… that’s for sure. If I could name one… Howlin wolf would be it. Research done.

[@bassdogg8551]

57 years ago and still bad ass. The Wolf was and still is the man.

[@michaelmulholland9072]

Incredible isn't it. Sitting at work on a Friday afternoon transported to another dimension listening to the wolf. Art at it's best.

[@lunalea1250]

Absolutely 100%! 🥳💜💫

[@ebenvanheerden4112]

Recorded 1964!! And still here for us to listen to. What an outstanding peice of music and we are privileged that it survived.

[@rlnstn9300]

That's the thing- The Blues will never fade away. It's in too many people's hearts. Hooker, Muddy, The Wolf...

[@itaytal9337]

im 30 , thats all i can listen to...

[@janemiller5620]

I was born 1963 and grew up on the blues

[@jfont5899]

@ebenvanheerden4112 yes yes yes

[@sasodcfred]

Same with me, ​@@janemiller5620, same generation! 🎉🎉

[@montanaelkwhisperer1744]

thank god technology preserved all these amazing old performances.

[@WilliamBowie-zn6mr]

❤

[@jeffharrison1277]

Ladies and gentlemen,this is what BLUES sounds like.Pure unadulterated Blues.

[@tanafort9741]

It is pure art- listen to the emotion and vocals. He was sharing his soul.

[@ripme6616]

With a dash of hokum

[@DME309]

This my first experience😳

[@cherylreed7010]

Yes!!!!🤗

[@richmcconnell3346]

FoReal...........

[@omairsh8]

My speakers needed a cigarette after that

[@SoulOnIce1983]

lmao

[@CiaoCiaoBabe]

Sssstttoooppp!

[@mercurialpierrot7073]

@@CiaoCiaoBabe 🤣

[@blackboylost22]

Lol best comment ever

[@stephanlarsen8169]

That is really funny still laughing

[@gracejonesboxcut4990]

Black Americans have such a beautiful humanity.

[@Malama_Ki]

Except now you get gangsta rappers from poverty instead of music that touches the soul and stands the test of time.

[@stehughes75]

Love & Respect This Man.. Blues Went on to Create Rock & Roll / Heavy Rock..We Owe These Guys & Girls A Massive Debt !

[@sodivine714]

Still waiting for a movie to be made about this man.

[@Kendell062]

Howling Wolf was smart with his money, loved his family, didn't do drugs, took care of his band,which was unheard of . Hollywood doesn't believe they could make a story about a Black male entertainer unless he was the opposite of those things.

[@stevepena8919]

He was in Cadillac records it's on Netflix but it's not just bout him it's about all the blues artist from the 40 to the 60s

[@useyournogos6845]

@@Kendell062 Reminds me of how they had to put Jimi Hendrix hitting his wife with a telephone in the movie about him when he never did anything of the sort. Because black people can't just be good people, hollywood doesn't like that.

[@hootinouts]

I second that!

[@mikekaatman3194]

Not enough dirt on him might be why it has not been made.

[@J-c-b...1]

What a man what a voice 👏🏻💯

[@MonotoneCreeper]

Willie Dixon, Hubert Sumlin and the Wolf on one stage! We are lucky this footage exists.

[@darryljackson7600]

Monotone It would NEVER be Rock N Roll if it wasn't for these Black talented musicians and singers!!!!!

[@billmavin1998]

Do not forget Sunnyland Slim on piano

[@thert.hon.thelordnicholson7261]

@Vincent H. Hubert is the man, RIP

[@nynjparis]

Monotone Damn right. I’ve been watching this for 7 years. Just wish that watermark wasn’t parked all over Wolf & Dixon. BTW I met Dixon while waitressing at Kingston Mines Chicago.

[@trascents866]

Monotone didn’t muddy try to get hurb

[@michaelhart1597]

The Wolf cries, weeping and hollering a sound that push out a spirit erupting from his toes before it comes through his soul and then all you know after that, your spirit let's go of a feeling that your body finds impossible to hold. That's what you call Smokestack Lightning.

[@tgfabthunderbird1]

"Moaning at Midnight" is a biography that is a must-read--what a story. Wolf lived the blues, its joys, and definitely the sadnesses. He is an architect of rock and will never be displaced.

[@Malama_Ki]

His version of “Down in the Bottom” from live at Cambridge is rock-n-roll as fine as it gets. They were on point and just driving with intensity.

[@timothytremblay7763]

One of the most recognizable voices in Blues history.

[@bogeythedog163]

Why did he call himself Howlin Wolf?

[@davidcpugh8743]

I play harp. This man is a holy icon in R&B. We used to call this Talking Blues.

[@mrchildgrownold3852]

It's still talking loud and clear

[@CherylHilton-q4v]

Listening and still loving it in 2024!

[@giovanniparris940]

“What they call R&B whatever R&b is” 🤣 little did he know.... the explosion it would have.

[@marshinz5696]

We are inevitable...

[@aidans6257]

@@martharichler6672 Yep, we should all be grateful the BBC had the insight to film and preserve this performance. Otherwise it may never have happened, or may just have been lost like so many others.

[@somenothing7914]

right, like wtf haha

[@Forever78TFS]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/ppiyimxmg7ScfK8

[@jamesbuckingham.2935]

For the clueless people commenting this was not a BBC man but jazz great Chris Barber. One of the most influential people in altering people's tastes. Involved with Lonnie Donegan's Rock Island line which brought in the skiffle craze which led to the likes of John Lennon and others becoming involved in music. Then he brought a host of blues artists over here for the first time, Wolf, Sonny Terry, Brownie McGhee, Muddy Waters, Sister Rosette Tharpe who thanks to him played in front of bigger audiences, and white ones at that, for more money than they had ever seen. The reason he said rhythm and blues-whatever that is was people with no idea about it referring to bluees music as rhythm and blues as some sort of catch all. He died yesterday, aged 90. Was still touring until 2019. BBC man indeed. Some people should not comment on thi gs they know nothing about.

[@MsTazzara]

The audience is a lucky group. This is as good as it gets. This is priceless.

[@RickDanner]

dam right

[@cathyfitzhugh2215]

Tina Azzara amazing

[@donwhite3820]

Right on !!!! This was the beginning of the real blues. Rock on babe. :)

[@dieselboyloco]

Absolutely

[@butterflies536]

Tina Azzara priceless indeed 😊

[@jonquilsimms97]

I'm currently watching Cadillac Records on Netflix and had to come back to this song!!

[@carlettecannon8716]

🥰

[@funkymonk2893]

underrated film its a great show.

[@monique4520]

Me too‼️‼️

[@crystalwoods9667]

Me too!

[@MrJimmytheweed]

Hah, I'm doing the same thing.

[@ekron1000]

So much talent. His forehead sweating. Giving all to what he loves.. Amazing. Modern culture looks like a joke.Bravo Howling Wolf.

[@christopherjohnson1803]

These blues legends make YOU FEEL the music, not just hear it. They lived gritty, hard lives and you can feel it.

[@lindafield6577]

My thoughts exactly

[@christinemcclaurin7733]

The MOAN!!!!😮

[@ronnel8415]

Yes thats it you can feel it

[@Timbuktu407]

If I had a time machine, I’d use it to go back and see Wolf play live in a club!

[@arsenalfeet]

Right on!

[@MarkHowley-sm2ih]

I did,the wolf was larger than life,and scary! Changed the way I look at the blues.

[@arminiushermann09]

Growing up in the city with 5 brothers an sisters as a poor family but when my dad cranked that blues on the stereo, I was a rich man an ruler of all kingdoms.

[@kenpotelwa3080]

You weren't poor but rich awaiting. Music would then fast foward the feeling of richness by bringing the sense of hope. You would forgert all your past and present adversities and think about your brighter future. That's the effect of the sense of sound on one's conscience.

[@jasonyoung880]

I wish I was older,😮1983 baby but love old music

[@scottallen8607]

Wolf was a force of nature..

[@jasoncolley7490]

Scott Allen is

[@theoracle1291]

Yes

[@carlsmith1263]

Wolf was the very nature of the Blues. If u can dig that

[@auntroachkiller6086]

Toe tappingly irrisistable.

[@melanatedo.g6652]

This is the stuff that makes me proud to be a BLACK MAN. It brings tears to my eyes,with happiness,the feelings I get listening to music that was created & performed by MY PEOPLE.

[@timothylikes782]

There would by No Rock & Roll if it wasn't for the Black Man. Period! But! To start designating separation into those people, my people,.. is an issue and you really should stop. Be proud of your color? Sure! Where you came from? Sure! But, using the term "my people".. that's just absolutely something you should not be doing. We're all equal brother! God is good! He created us all! We all have the same blood running through our veins. Christ died for All of us! *Sadly, I feel I should Add this due to the world we now live in.. SO, Just incase someone comes at me due to being white?? Lol! I will Add, Myself, came from severe poverty. Grew up burglarizing homes with my own father! Welfare.. Food stamps.. Drug abuse.. All a part of me growing up. So please , No one come at me with " Privilege." 😒 ~All my Best & God Bless all of you in the comments! And God Bless you Howlin Wolf!! God gave you such a Gift!!

[@marieglaude6875]

Absolutely I feel the same way

[@agnegustafsson2019]

Blues is the black mans territory

[@tompaul2591]

Racists! Anyone can get the blues. Why would the blues greats like bb king, howling wolf, muddy waters, etc play with clapton, the band, etc. Stop dividing. Like saying country music is the white man's music when Charley pride sings. Blues, country and jazz all have an overlap if you knew anything about music. Chuck.berry playing with the stones, John lennon, linda rondstadt, bands like the Allman Brothers with a black.drummer, look at the tedeschi trucks band today and get back with me

[@msculturecure]

He's actually an Aborigine American Indigenous "Indian"

[@jeancruise3313]

Its 2023 and this still sounds so darn good yes it does

[@ThompsonSmith207]

Hello Jean How are you doing today?

[@RankinHardin]

That's possibly because in this era, there is no real music. There is no soul, or texture. We have completely disrespected art as an achievement and it's become the same corporate slave ship as fast food or Facebook.

[@HarryLime-ge6dc]

The immortal and oft-robbed genius, Mr. Willie Dixon on bass. Why settle for imitation when the genuine article is available? These men were giants who faced oppression, repression, and terrorism and created beautiful and powerful art to attest to their struggles and survival. We should be humbled.

[@Me_myself_and_I_AM_Vision]

You can tell most of these artists grow up sing in the church. Awesome and unique voice

[@dynjarren8355]

Howlin Wolf and Willie Dixon! This is the real deal! Two Blues Legends! RIP 💐

[@rodneyjohnson4794]

...and sister rosetta tharpe!

[@EvilSkeptic]

And the great Hubert Sumlin on guitar!

[@billmavin6203]

Add Hubert Sumlin and Sunnyland Slim (not sure of drummer)

[@TerlinguaTalkeetna]

and James Cotton

[@frankcoverjr.-jz3ne]

Willie was the architect and Chester was the contractor!💙

[@savinay4812]

SHOUT TO THE UK FOR NEVER LETTING MUSIC DIE! Major Respect!

[@othercarib]

I was lucky to see Howlin' Wolf play at The Esquire showbar on Montreal's Stanley Street in 1972. I was a freshman at McGill College and the drinking age was 18. The cover charge was $5. He was a big man and I'll always remember some young punks were talking during his performance he shut them up with just one look.

[@bassdogg8551]

When I was a young man there was an older man named Mr. Peques. He loved listening to Wolf, Muddy Water, John Hooker and Etta James at the local cafe juke box. He would dance and had such a look of joy in his face and eyes. But what struck me the most was he had tears running down his face, not for sadness but for joy. People would laugh at him, but I couldn't. Finally, I ask why he cried and he said their music touched his soul. As I got older and truly listened to these blues legends, I too felt it in my soul. To me this is the blues and now at 69 years old I'm like Mr. Peguis listening to the blues brings me to tears, tears of joy. It's a beautiful feeling in my soul.

[@azizip171]

@Bass Dogg, thank you for sharing your memory of Mr. Peques. Your entire comment is wonderfully written, and I love the ending: "As I got older and truly listened to these blues legends, I too felt it in my soul. To me this is the blues and now at 69 years old I'm like Mr. Peguis listening to the blues brings me to tears, tears of joy. It's a beautiful feeling in my soul." Amen!

[@michaelscott7462]

Bless you.

[@suzzannbehaylo22]

If you don't dig the blues, you got a hole in your soul.

[@Bamboozled01]

In 1964 i was 13 years old, 2024 and im still Howling with the Wollf🙏🏽❤️💛💚👊🏼👊🏼

[@DianeRicco-no5nh]

Wish I could meet u all .lots of friends but no blues brothers and sisters.

[@johnking7008]

He is a tail dragger.

[@MrZootalores]

me too! bought a *cut-out bin* record in 68,Wolf,Buddy,BB,John Lee. bought a guitar with my summer lawn mowing money & been learning them ever since. pure magic!

[@regsilverside9089]

Was the compère Chris Barber?

[@breonrucker3561]

Long live this era... I miss it... takes me back ❤❤❤

[@wileynicholson1682]

I was 7yo when I heard this because my mom and her sisters were dancing to it!

[@DPK99ATown]

Hubert Sumlin, ladies and gentleman! The man who steered Howlin’ Wolf’s band and did so unnoticed for the most part. One of the greatest blues guitarists to walk this Earth!

[@slidemachine13]

I second that!

[@Mobeezy357]

Yea big up the non blck

[@pedalboy]

How can you top Wolf, Hubert and Willie Dixon on the same stage?? You can't!!!

[@susandaniel7432]

That's some good ol' dirty, nasty blues....damn good stuff!

[@ellyreginald6546]

+Susan Daniel Yeau, that was my impression. He brings a dark, menacing quality to the blues. No apologies and no attempt to do otherwise. That, and his obvious talent makes him great. An interpretative genius.

[@khaldrogo1656]

Susan Daniel that's the best kind! The kinds that makes you feel down low

[@excelsior2511]

The thing is; Howlin' Wolf was a nice guy, good to his kids, wife, and the musicians that worked for him. Like most music from classical to rap; it's all about attitude, and doesn't mean the artist is mean, or evil. It's in the domain of creativity, and the brain of the creator.

[@khaldrogo1656]

The dirtier the better. Down low.. good music to do bad stuff to.

[@glendasdaycare]

So damned good, wow !!

[@004752]

AMAZING!! Howlin' Wolf with Willie Dixon on bass. THANK YOU FOR POSTING THIS TRUE, HISTORIC GEM.

[@TyrWesterberg]

One of my favorite artists of all time. And I’m only 20 this year. I wish music was more like this now days.

[@khandmo]

I'm 12 this is my favorite song

[@NoLefTurnUnStoned.]

One of my favourites too. My mum plays it when she’s doing the washing up and I’ll be born sometime next month!

[@KratomFlavoredAdidas]

I'm 174 years old and I've been listening to Hollering Wolf for 84 years.

[@whatsinaname6926]

Wise beyond your years

[@DigitalLazarus]

What is so wondrous in this Zeitgeist capture is how lovely, welcoming, and appreciative this white British audience presented to this gentle giant of a Black man from America --- who was experiencing in his own country the horrid racism of the early 60s. Howlin' was a King in our Kingdom. RIP, sir. And thank you.

[@theolderrunner5335]

Simply in a class of his own. To this day, I don't think many people understand or appreciate what an incredible musician and singer this man was.

[@richardmindemann6935]

BB King thought he was the best vocalist ever

[@intensepassion3382]

My greatest gift from God, was living where my people created this music. "Just like gold...". Thank you Lord

[@zeezeeparker7961]

Just curious where exactly was that? I know Elvis Presley had this music in his blood...are you talking about the deep south? 🇨🇦 Love from up north Vancouver BC

[@Bryant-ji4kk]

​@@zeezeeparker7961The United States of America. It's well known that Elvis was influenced by Blk Americans.

[@intensepassion3382]

Jackson MS and Elvis must have grown up with Black folks.

[@bowiggunz9218]

Still watching in 2025

[@vince357357]

at least, thank to youtube we can get that kind of History for everyone

[@FrancesMurphy-g9z]

I'm an old white woman but you gotta love the Blues riff and the harmonica work just adds to the Blues effect. I only discovered this because of the cadillac records movie.

[@smokiebird06]

When you listen to him sing you know he's been there and back.

[@Hares_Pit]

My Dad had me listening to Muddy Waters, Johnny Winter, and B.B. King since I was a little kid. I turned him on to Howlin Wolf, Buddy Guy, and Sonny+Brownie. I couldn't believe the dazed look in his eyes. Like, how have these soulful tunes evaded me my whole life. I love my dad and hot damn do I love the blues. Modern pop culture has NOTHING on the blues. ♥️

[@Hares_Pit]

@@petehill8885 Actually, music preference is determined in part by intellectual status and fine arts interests. I was never one to sit idly by and be force fed the mass produced garbage that was made specifically for my generation. I don't listen to music the way that the average Joe does. I go out of my way to find genres upon subgenres and I will even force myself to listen to some of their tracks despite how mind numbingly mundane they really can be. In my own pursuit of knowledge, I can say without a doubt that there are intellectual ranks in music and their audience. Think of it like this, the person who watches Jersey Shore, Teen Mom, and Toddlers in Tiaras are not likely to be the same individuals that will watch The Universe, How it's Made, and Horrible Histories. In a similar fashion, it would be unlikely that a fan of Lil Pump, Taylor Swift, and Adelle are going to sit still long enough to listen to Beethoven, Mozart, Bach, or Tchaikovsky compositions. So, to reform your statement.. I would say that comparing genres IS an indication of intelligence. You just have to clear a huge barrier of ignorance so you can learn that better, higher quality music exists in places that mainstream media will keep you from looking.

[@charlesnorris8147]

@@Hares_Pit Amen! Preach Brotha' preach!

[@LENNYFERRARA-tr3ux]

@@petehill8885 you really self owned with your pathetic analogy.

[@ninjavigilante5311]

Sonny Terry and brownie mcgee were 1 of the best.

[@tommiegrable6910]

Well stated i read this 3x each time it sounded better keep up the good work

[@makaladestiny1200]

I’m 27 years old… my grandfather used to play his music along with other artists. My grandfather passed when I was 12 yet I still listen to the oldies. ❤❤❤ love me some Howlin Wolf!

[@bflyle]

So did my grandfather and father. On Saturdays and sometimes Sundays, our house was full of great blues songs. Howling Wolf, Muddy Waters were the favorites. My dad was also a guitar player, and at times, we would gather/sit around his feet while he played their songs. Brings back so many good memories. I still have their records, reels, eight tracks, and C.D.s. Sometimes, when I'm listening, a memory will fall in the form of a single teardrop.

[@DonnieCales]

I may be white but i know good music when i hear it. This is one if my all time favorite singers among a few other blues singers. They knew hard times thats for sure

[@YogsenForfoth]

Nobody sang the blues like Wolf did. My god, he was the best.

[@jacquelinebyrne3196]

I saw Howlin Wolf in 1964 in the British Legion Hall in South Harrow, will never forget him amazing voice.

[@rlnstn9300]

You are so blessed and so lucky to have seen him!! I wish I could've seen him. The Wolf, John Lee Hooker, and Muddy Waters. I was born in 63. Thank God I have older brothers who turned me on to the Blues. My favorite music.

[@rodorgeron6003]

That's Willie Dixon on bass, one of the greatest Blues songwriters of all time. Willie wrote most of the songs recorded by Howlin' Wolf and Muddy Waters.

[@jjryan1352]

Yes he always looks like the most disinterested person on stage lol.

[@carmay3600]

lol I like watching him. Every now and again he can’t help but look pleased but yes he usually looks disinterested or just too cool.

[@tonystahl6313]

Thanks I was wondering who was on bass fiddle. His face is hilarious, he's like ah so im playing in London bfd. Definitely can play that upright though. Not nervous at all.

[@nikradik]

Great info

[@iqbalal6880]

he can write song but he can't sing,that's all I know

[@jonathandraper7065]

My god, the presence of the man!

[@paulmaxson4218]

Howling Wolf!!!!! Best of Blues!! Sad it took so long for our own country to realize the Man's talent.

[@OlJimbo]

You know its about to get real when wolf pulls out the harmonica.

[@davidbuerkel5737]

I wonder what key that harp is in. Could be cross harp A for this Em song, Any thoughts?

[@Harp_and_Guitar_Moving_Forward]

@@davidbuerkel5737 A harmonica i think

[@winstonchurchill624]

phatmemes Though he’s definitely not the best player, it always puts a smile on my face when he starts playing. I love it.

[@MrBpatrickn]

David Buerkel A major harp for this song in E major I think

[@manly1974]

@@MrBpatrickn Cross harp has a flatted 7th and a natural 3rd so he would just need to bend the major 3rd down.

[@bigmaintwosidez]

The GREAT Howlin Wolf!!! The best to ever do it,and the most slept on artist of the genre. Long live tthe Wolf... a real man!

[@someotherguy43]

This man gives me the chills till this day. Fuckin GOAT.

[@justinj3262]

Nah, close second. Muddy Waters still got the edge.

[@thert.hon.thelordnicholson7261]

@@justinj3262 that's a tough call! Muddy's the main man but Howlin' Wolf is, well, the Wolf :D

[@telam1744]

"100% NO SUGAR"

[@smoothoperator7023]

Ol' Wolf goes from deep gutteral growl to hitting those high notes- priceless! 🔊🔊💪🏾

[@alfredoreinaldoalberto9269]

What a genius!!! He sings from the Deep of his soul.

[@tumustallison2164]

Wing dang doddle

[@MissChrissyM1]

alfredo reinaldo Alberto from the Depth of his soul

[@AnnaLVajda]

His band is tight.

[@karlsnell2595]

Amen☝👏👏

[@ryancummins8067]

You can feel the pain of his forefathers in his voice, very very spiritual.

[@marvinwilliams4181]

Man o man yes you can.

[@wwilfox720]

I always felt that he channeled late 19th and early 20th century black Mississippi in this song.

[@TheTitanborn]

Not to take away from his forefathers specifically but so many different cultures have gone through so much. I believe that Wolf sings for ALL. So visceral. So authentic. So Timeless and so so SO universal.

[@aaronpines1984]

Bro i feel were you coming from not too many lyrics but the harmony of the instruments and swag bring home the art.

Facts

[@kayy567]

It is crazy to see music living so long and having a lasting impact.

[@mrchildgrownold3852]

It will continue to live on

[@richardmastenik8238]

I saw Arthur Chester Burnette about live about 2 months before he passed over - in a classy purpose built 1,500 seat auditorium. It was amazing how his presence filled that room. A national treasure.

[@thezidman]

Damn, that man could sing. Magnificent.

[@christoperjames7784]

Everything about his voice is amazing; these legends just taught themselves to sing like that, crazy.

[@MikeDiCiero]

thats the voice of a big man

[@Zizie_sc]

@@MikeDiCiero that helps a little bit lol

[@wighatsuperreggie]

The man is sweating after the first 15 seconds. That's a performer right there. Wish I could sweat that level of intensity.

[@RenoConley]

With all these gunslinging blues guitar wizards in the world today, very few can capture the true blue spirit like this man, and his Wolfman prophecies, John Lee Hooker, Muddy, Lightning, Son House, Robert Johnson, Sonny Boy Williamson, Willie Dixon, Mississippi John Hurt, lil Walter, Memphis Mini, Big Momma, Otis Rush, and Magic Sam(to name few), who encapsulated the whole spirit of the blues.theres an untouched magic there.

[@rayburton4867]

Love this! Can u hear our ancestors rocking up in heaven?

[@thediva4eva]

Yes sir!!!! 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[@judysmith-randle1558]

Absolutely..

[@wyatt1098]

That Voice!!! Makes you look at today's music with disgust! Truly one of the greats!

[@Justanotheraccount330]

You do know ppl still sing like this right?

[@unclejimmy5778]

@@Justanotheraccount330 he was probably referring more to mainstream artists. We've got to be honest: this genre has fallen out of popularity in today's generations. So there are undoubtedly artists who still perform this way but would the average person be able to identify them for you? I doubt it.

[@Justanotheraccount330]

@@unclejimmy5778 you mean blues? Like rhythm and blues? Like what anthony Hamilton, luke james and bilal sing? Just because its done over a beat with samples now doesnt mean its not still basically blues. If half these blues artist were alive today they might not have changed the sound much but they def would have stepped up the technology and it def would sound more modern. No what it is is that people that aren't really connected with the culture dont know what's out today, so they find a random clip and say "now this is music they dont make this anymore!!!"

[@unclejimmy5778]

@@Justanotheraccount330 Absolutely! I look at music as a cumulative expression of styles that has developed over generations! The artists of today are influenced by those of the past! I cant argue against that.

[@MONICA-xl8tw]

WOW I JUST WENT BACK TO MY CHILDHOOD MY NANA AND HER FRIENDS SITTING OUTSIDE ON THE FRONT PORCH AT DUSK..WOW I CAN SMELL THE HONEYSUCKLE AS THE DEW FALLS ❤❤

[@melissaperry5153]

That's one of the great things about music...puts you right back into a sweet memory. And what better memory than Howlin' Wolf!

[@rosalynsmith4928]

Oh yes

[@brandonhughes8793]

Damn Sis!

[@trishferris7355]

How lucky you are to have such a lovely memory of your Nana. God bless you.

[@deloreswilson1798]

You have to go through something to say something.You got to be something to demand something.You got to live life to know what life is about.You got to be in battle to win a battle.😎

[@vicrattlehead8665]

Favorite blues artist of all time, don’t care. THE HOWLIN WOLF

[@MrPackers4life]

Who else here to keep the Song Alive in the NEW YEAR!!? TwentyTwenty

[@botvinnik64]

Freddie Mills Yes brother, we are still here! Forever!!!

[@craigesmith1994]

Im from the westside of chicago ..i lived on washington and sacramento next to the boys club and know real music when i hear it .Kedzie and lake. Kedzie and jackson...im in st.louis now and miss it so much...

[@DDlocsPhilly]

Right here wit cha!

[@savannah58]

🔥🔥🔥

[@valenciashelton6229]

Long as I am breathing Gonna Play Howlin Wolf

[@cuchulainn1659]

This be like over 50 years old and still it rocks, classics be classed folks...

[@Anotherdaynparadise]

Yeah B! Werd!

[@castolano]

Here in 2020

[@tru2me_1]

Me too. 01/19/2020

[@KWIETSOUL]

Me too buddy 💙

[@candessk1]

Same

[@valnaples]

Hay-ul to the YES! 2/1/2020!

[@winonabigbrownbeavereater2218]

31membami I'll still be here in 2080

[@mthompson5299]

As the young people say, "He got plenty of swag!" I've always enjoyed his bluesy style because you not only feel the music, you also relate to the message.

[@TheClosetRatchet]

It’s so dope looking back at these black American artist, traveling to these other countries and sharing their art. This was such a crazy time, but they got to live a little bit, and this is just so special, considering how much history has happened between then and now.

[@Reese8531]

The early black musicians used to love France and The British people!! Even Jack Johnson did also the first black heavyweight champion ever, he loved France and Britain !! They were treated very well over there

[@santosgarlato565]

Chuck Berry and Howling Wolf equals rock n-roll

[@NazulNubiarNigel]

Santo Sgarlato Robert jhonson

[@kensmechanicalaffair]

Parallels need a tutor.

[@viaivory8383]

Yep but you know who got credit for it!

[@joshd1062]

@@viaivory8383 no, who?

[@pizzatime9553]

Little Richard: Hold my beer.!

[@MyMateGeorge]

RIP Chris Barber, the British jazz musician who introduced Wolf here, and was instrumental in bringing the Blues to the UK, and thereby changing the course of Western popular music.

[@gunterbutler9091]

Whatever R n B is?

[@supermabel1]

@@gunterbutler9091 As explained a few times over the years :) - Chris was joking about the then current (1964) British obsession with "R&B". He had been promoting blues (and gospel) artists in the UK for many years - Sonny & Brownie in 1955, Sister Rosetta in 1957, Muddy & Otis in 1958, and so on. You had to be there in 1964 UK to understand, I guess. I was.

[@gunterbutler9091]

✌

[@jfinner86]

RIP

[@ichbin4122]

@@gunterbutler9091 Rymon and booze

[@DavidHarrison-js3ji]

That sad waste of space hacks me off , i always cut past him direct to the king . What a giant of a man in every way . What i would have done to have had him as a brother . Rip wolf .

[@rosejackson8670]

I HAVE A HISTORY WITH THIS HIT, BACK TO THE 78 LP DAYS.I AM 68 NOW AND I DO STILL HAVE THE 78 LP. IT BELONGED TO MY STEP FATHER IN THE DAY. SO THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR BRINGING BACK THE MEMORY OF THE GOOD OLD TIMES, WHEN I WAS A CHILD. AND THE MUSIC WAS A JOY. MUCH LOVE

[@nigeh5326]

Thanks for making a white English guy smile at your words God bless

[@burtongross6303]

+Rose Jackson Lady, you own a piece of history and I can remember being at Chess and seeing those LPs being pressed. It (the pressing plant) was as I remember at 71st & Wentworth. If you ever want to part with it, let me know.

[@MrTonyMontana1177]

Rose Jackson I bet that thing is worth some money.

[@MMG-q1v]

Rose Jackson, what treasure, both the LP and the memory!

[@bernadinemcgrady1222]

B b king the thrill is gone

[@mandolinorchid]

Hands down, the best blues artist, in my opinion.

[@matthewbland6246]

Margo Gadet no doubt

[@jeffkessler7065]

+Margo Gadet ONE OF

[@JustK009]

Agreed..wolf's just right

[@KaylaShamiya]

He's a legend 💯 this man is an outstanding (doesn't even amount to how great he is) musician

[@mebloke69]

+matthew bland yep,others after this master are only disciples,students.this man define the sound of rhythm,who else can do that? Elvis,Chuck.No one and only Chester Burnett

[@tpatton6773]

He was the epitomized example of treat other's how you want to be treated, LORD, Knows, We need this Now, Stop the Violence, we're all in this TOGETHER ❣

[@kirkmcknight113]

They won't let me give 1000x1000 thumbs ups for this comment.

[@roberthitchcock7214]

2023 and still there's never been a more AUTHENTIC artist to play music. We love you Chester.