Shake it baby!
Howlin' Wolf was a ledge in his own time. Not only was he one of the greatest blues artists of the 20th century, he was, if rumours can be believed, one its greatest bedroom artists as well. And seeing that he had the physique, if not the looks, of Muhammad Ali, there could be substance to the story. But while the music is there for all to hear, the rest is supposition. Or is it? If you watch the introduction to this magnificent recording of "Shake It For Me", it's rather obvious that the Wolf had worked his magic shortly before the show began.
Howlin' Wolf could also seduce male admirers as is shown in this 1965 recording of How Many More Years? Brian Jones and Mick Jagger are simply thrilled to be in the great man's presence and they end up, literally, at his feet. Keep an eye out for the late Billy Preston on piano, giving all he's got and enjoying every minute of it. Time magazine named YouTube the "Invention of the Year" last week, and the accolade was well deserved. And now that we've had the first YouTube election, the future is here.
Comments
Howabout Hubert Sumlin, his jangly rolicking guitar tone was as much a part of Howling Wolfs sound as The Wolfs growl.
Great clip.
Posted by: JohnMc | November 13, 2006 11:14 PM
My iconic and powerful rare portraits, concert shots and family pics of the legendary Howlin' Wolf may be seen on my website: www.howlingwolfphotos.com
I was Wolf's friend, harmonica student, and chosen photographer. Recently, I located additional interviews and unique acoustic songs by him playing and singing with me! that have never yet been published on CD or record, but are about to be. You can partly learn "what made the Wolf happen" and how amazing and wonderful he really was from the story on my site, and from his Pantheon biography, too. My interview of him, in his own words, is featured in chapter one there, and clarifies just why he ran away from "home" at age 13.
best,
"Howlin' Sandy"
Posted by: sandy guy schoenfeld | November 29, 2006 10:55 PM