Every year the National Recording Registry at the Library of Congress selects 25 recordings to be preserved for all time. One song chosen this year is Howlin’ Wolf’s "Smokestack Lightning," a cornerstone of Chicago Blues. Howlin' Wolf's daughter and longtime guitarist Hubert Sumlin talk about the importance of his music. Produced by Ben Manilla Productions.
The Sounds of American Culture, our series highlighting works in the National Recording Registry, receives production support from the Library of Congress.
Howlin’ Wolf performs “Smokestack Lightnin,” live in 1964.
Smokestack Lightnin
Artist: Howlin' WolfAlbum: The Chess BoxLabel: Chess-MCAPurchase: AmazonCrying at Daybreak
Artist: Howlin' WolfAlbum: Howlin' Wolf Sings the BluesLabel: Ace Records UKPurchase: AmazonAce Moon Going Down
Artist: Charley PattonAlbum: Screamin' and Hollerin' the Blues
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Studio 360 with Kurt Andersen is a co-production of Public Radio International and WNYC Radio, and is funded in part by Ken and Lucy Lehman and the National Endowment for the Arts. Studio 360's American Icons series is supported in part by the National Endowment for the Humanities. Our Science and Creativity series is supported in part by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation.
Comments [2]
As much as I respect the various giants of Blues music, it seems that Howling Wolf's stature only seems to grow and marvel at his work only seems to deepen. Thank you 360 for your hand in this.
Thank you so much for your retrospective of this blues giant Howling Wolf. The recording of Smokestack Lighting has a well deserved place in the Library of Congress for generation yet to be. Best regards to you and your staff at Studio 360.
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