Howlin' Wolf - Smoke stack Lightnin' - 1965
Howlin' Wolf - Smokestack Lightnin' (1965)
Smokestack Lightnin', released in 1965, is one of the most famous songs by Howlin' Wolf, a pivotal figure in the blues genre. This song is not just a piece of music; it's a cultural landmark that represents a significant era in music history.
Background and History
Howlin' Wolf, born Chester Arthur Burnett, was an American blues singer, guitarist, and harmonica player. His music was known for its raw power and emotional depth. "Smokestack Lightnin'" is one of his most enduring and influential songs. It showcases his powerful voice and ability to convey deep emotions through music. The song has been covered by numerous artists and is considered a classic in the blues genre.
Musical Style and Influence
The song's distinctive sound is characterized by its haunting harmonica, Wolf's gravelly voice, and a hypnotic guitar riff. It's a perfect example of the Chicago blues style, which is known for its electrified sound. The song has influenced many musicians across various genres, including rock, punk, and hip hop.
Lyrics and Themes
The lyrics of "Smokestack Lightnin'" are steeped in the blues tradition, featuring themes of longing, travel, and heartache. The song's title refers to the sparks and smoke from a train's smokestack, which was a common metaphor in blues music for travel and the transient nature of life.
Quiz: Questions on the song
What year was "Smokestack Lightnin'" released? (1965) (!1956) (!1972) (!1960)
Which musical instrument is prominently featured in "Smokestack Lightnin'"? (Harmonica) (!Guitar) (!Piano) (!Saxophone)
Howlin' Wolf's real name was? (Chester Arthur Burnett) (!Robert Johnson) (!Muddy Waters) (!John Lee Hooker)
What genre does "Smokestack Lightnin'" belong to? (Blues) (!Rock) (!Jazz) (!Soul)
What is the song "Smokestack Lightnin'" mainly about? (Longing and travel) (!Love and happiness) (!Hard work and success) (!Freedom and liberation)
Quiz: Questions on the Performer
Where was Howlin' Wolf born? (Mississippi) (!Louisiana) (!Texas) (!Tennessee)
In addition to singing, what other talents did Howlin' Wolf have? (Guitar and harmonica playing) (!Piano playing) (!Drumming) (!Dancing)
Howlin' Wolf was a major influence on which of these genres? (Rock and Roll) (!Country) (!Electronic) (!Classical)
What is one of Howlin' Wolf's other famous songs? ("Spoonful") (!"Purple Haze") (!"Born to Run") (!"Hey Jude")
Howlin' Wolf's style is most associated with which type of blues? (Chicago blues) (!Delta blues) (!Texas blues) (!Memphis blues)
Quiz: Questions on the lyrics
What does the "smokestack" symbolize in the song? (Travel and transience) (!Industry and progress) (!Love and romance) (!Hardship and struggle)
The phrase "Smokestack Lightnin'" is repeated how many times in the chorus? (Four) (!Two) (!Three) (!Five)
What mood is predominantly conveyed through the song's lyrics? (Longing and melancholy) (!Joy and excitement) (!Anger and frustration) (!Optimism and hope)
What is a common theme in blues music, as reflected in "Smokestack Lightnin'"? (Heartache and loss) (!Wealth and luxury) (!Celebration and partying) (!Nature and wilderness)
In "Smokestack Lightnin'," the narrator mentions which mode of transportation? (Train) (!Car) (!Boat) (!Airplane)
Memory
| Howlin' Wolf | Chester Arthur Burnett |
| 1965 | Year of "Smokestack Lightnin'" Release |
| Harmonica | Featured Instrument in "Smokestack Lightnin'" |
| Chicago Blues | Howlin' Wolf's Musical Style |
| Travel and Heartache | Themes in "Smokestack Lightnin'" |
Open Tasks
Easy
- Create a Playlist: Compile a playlist of blues songs that were influenced by "Smokestack Lightnin'".
- Research Blues Musicians: Research other blues musicians who were contemporaries of Howlin' Wolf.
- Draw a Blues Scene: Create a drawing or painting that represents the mood of "Smokestack Lightnin'".
Standard
- Write a Blues Song: Write your own blues song, inspired by "Smokestack Lightnin'".
- Explore Chicago Blues: Explore more about Chicago blues and its characteristics.
- Analyze Lyrics: Analyze the lyrics of "Smokestack Lightnin'" and discuss its themes.
Difficult
- Compare Blues Styles: Compare and contrast Chicago blues with another blues style.
- Biography of Howlin' Wolf: Write a detailed biography of Howlin' Wolf.
- Blues Influence in Modern Music: Explore how blues music, particularly songs like "Smokestack Lightnin'", influenced modern music genres.
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Oral Exam
- Discuss the Evolution of Blues: How did blues evolve over time, and how did artists like Howlin' Wolf contribute to its evolution?
- The Cultural Impact of Blues: Discuss the cultural impact of blues music in the United States and globally.
- Musical Techniques in Blues: What are some unique musical techniques used in blues music?
- The Storytelling in Blues: How does blues music use storytelling, and why is it effective?
- Blues and Social Commentary: How has blues music been used as a form of social commentary?
OERs on the Topic
Links
MUSIC QUIZ
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