What Do The Rolling Stones, Metallica, And The Black Keys Have In Common?
by Mike Hsu,posted Aug 2 2012 8:46AM
They all love Chester Arthur, or as he is more widely known, Howlin' Wolf. One of the great Bluesmen who defined a sound and is credited with laying the foundation for Rock Music. The Wolf's sound is raw and violent. His voice is gravel. His rhythms are rough and tribal. Put all of that together and you have a groove like no other. His songs were covered(and sometimes stolen...right Led Zeppelin?) by many who achieved legendary status through his inspiration.
"Little Red Rooster"- The Rolling Stones
"How Many More Times"- Led Zeppelin
"Spoonful"- Cream
"Killing Floor"- Jimi Hendrix
"Back Door Man"- The Doors
And "Smokestack Lightning" which was covered by many including The Grateful Dead and Soundgarden. That song is also in the title of this upcoming documentary by Josh Hecht and Gina Berret called Smokestack Lightning: The Legendary Howlin' Wolf. Check out the trailer below with some of the music legends already mentioned as well as relative new comers like The Black Keys all paying tribute. No release date has been set for this yet, but you can keep up to date here. And when you have a chance, get yourself some Howlin' Wolf and a glass of whiskey.
