About the Song
Now, settle in for a taste of some genuine electric blues with a legend who could wail with the best of them. We’re going back to 1956, Chicago, where the mighty Howlin’ Wolf unleashed a song that would become a cornerstone of the genre: Smokestack Lightnin’.
Howlin’ Wolf, born Chester Burnett, wasn’t new to the blues by then. He’d been honing his craft in the Mississippi Delta for years, his powerful voice and harmonica a force to be reckoned with. But when he plugged in his electric guitar and stepped into the Chess Studios, something magical happened.
Smokestack Lightnin’ is a masterclass in simplicity and power. It builds on a driving, one-chord groove, punctuated by the rhythmic chug of the guitars. But within that simplicity lies a world of emotion. Howlin’ Wolf’s vocals are raw and intense, his signature howl echoing the despair and frustration that’s woven into the lyrics.
The song itself is a tapestry of classic blues themes. Trains rumble through the verses, a symbol of both escape and the relentless nature of hardship. The “smokestack lightning” – the sparks flying from the engine’s chimney – becomes a metaphor for a woman who’s as captivating and dangerous as a summer storm.
Smokestack Lightnin’ wasn’t just a hit for Howlin’ Wolf, reaching number 11 on the Billboard R&B chart. It became a blueprint for countless blues and rock acts that followed. Bands like The Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin, and The Who all drew inspiration from this song’s raw energy and relentless groove.
So, put on your dancing shoes, or just sit back and let the music wash over you. Howlin’ Wolf’s Smokestack Lightnin’ is a timeless reminder of the power of the blues to capture the heart and soul.
Barbara Desetto