Howlin’ Wolf’s London Sessions: A Fusion of Blues and Rock Music Legends

Introduction

In blues music, some moments go beyond time and have a lasting impact on the genre’s history. Howlin’ Wolf’s legendary London Sessions is a special moment. It was a groundbreaking collaboration between the iconic bluesman and rock royalty. This included Eric Clapton, members of The Rolling Stones, and The Beatles. In May 1970, Howlin’ Wolf recorded this album at Olympic Studios in London. It was a pivotal moment in his career and stands as a lasting testament to his legacy. In this article, we explore the story of the London Sessions. We hear from those who were there and learn about the challenges, triumphs, and musical brilliance that came from this amazing project.

A Chance Encounter and a Bold Idea

The London Sessions began because of a random meeting months ago in San Francisco. Mike Bloomfield, a blues guitarist from the Electric Flag, introduced Eric Clapton to Norman Dayron, a producer at Chess Records, backstage at the gig. Dayron mentioned the idea of Clapton playing with Howlin’ Wolf on an album while talking about their favorite blues musicians. Clapton was interested in the proposition, but there was one hurdle to overcome. Howlin’ Wolf had not been asked about the idea yet.

Bringing the Vision to Life

Howlin’ Wolf, who didn’t know the British musicians, was doubtful at first, but he ended up trusting Norman Dayron. In May 1970, around ten people, including blues musicians from Chicago, flew to London. The sessions lineup included Eric Clapton, Hubert Sumlin, Jeff Carp, Bill Wyman, Charlie Watts, and Mick Jagger. The recording started at Olympic Studios. It was clear that combining American blues and British rock would have challenges.

Navigating Musical Differences

Norman Dayron, the producer of the London Sessions, had trouble adjusting the recording techniques of Olympic Studios to match the authentic and concentrated sound that Chess Records is known for. Dayron and the famous engineer Glyn Johns disagreed, causing tension during the sessions. The musicians, like Eric Clapton and Hubert Sumlin, didn’t give up and slowly got better. Initially hesitant to take the lead guitar role, Clapton was encouraged by Howlin’ Wolf. Howlin’ Wolf recognized Clapton’s ability to continue the blues tradition.

The Power of Collaboration

The London Sessions brought together an extraordinary lineup of esteemed musicians, each contributing their unique talents and adding their own touch to the recordings. Let’s take a closer look at the artists who graced the studio during these monumental sessions:

At the forefront of it all was, of course, the legendary Howlin’ Wolf. With his unmistakable vocals, commanding stage presence, and prowess on the harmonica and acoustic guitar, Wolf’s contributions to the London Sessions were nothing short of awe-inspiring. His raw energy and unparalleled understanding of the blues set the tone for the entire project.

Howlin’ Wolf

His strong singing, harmonica playing, and guitar skills were important in the London Sessions collaborations. His energy, knowledge of the blues, and soulful playing created the mood for the whole project. He had a special way of telling stories filled with sadness and strength. His amazing skills on the harmonica and guitar added emotion and depth to the recordings. Howlin’ Wolf’s presence united the exceptional lineup in a true spirit of collaboration

Eric Clapton

Recognized as one of the greatest guitarists of all time, took on the lead guitar duties during the London Sessions. His fiery yet precise playing added a dynamic dimension to the blues-rock fusion, capturing the essence of both genres. Clapton’s deep respect for the blues tradition fortified the authenticity of the recordings.

Steve Winwood

Known for his work with bands such as Traffic and Blind Faith, lent his talents on piano and organ to the London Sessions. His soulful and intricate keyboard contributions complemented the bluesy atmosphere, adding depth and texture to the recordings.

Bill Wyman

The distinguished bassist of The Rolling Stones displayed his versatility by not only handling the bass responsibilities but also seamlessly transitioning to guitar. His addition of shakers, cow-bell, and his meticulous attention to rhythm enriched the overall sound, infusing it with groove and energy.

Charlie Watts

The iconic drummer of The Rolling Stones demonstrated his unmatched sense of time and groove. In addition to his drumming prowess, Watts also dabbled in congas and various percussion instruments, infusing the recordings with a captivating rhythmic layer.

Hubert Sumlin

The respected blues guitarist who had worked extensively with Howlin’ Wolf joined the London Sessions, lending his rhythmic guitar skills to the mix. As a longtime collaborator of Wolf, Sumlin’s familiarity with his sound and style added an extra layer of authenticity and chemistry to the recordings.

Jeffrey M. Carp

A harmonica virtuoso, highlighted his skills on the harmonica, further accentuating the bluesy atmosphere and providing melodic fills that intertwined seamlessly with the instrumentation.

Ian Stewart

Renowned for his work as a pianist with The Rolling Stones, also played a vital role in the London Sessions. His piano contributions added a classic blues piano touch, embellishing the recordings with rollicking melodies and captivating flourishes.

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Listen below to an example of the collaboration during the rehearsals .

These remarkable artists worked in harmony, drawing from their respective strengths and shared passion for blues and rock music, resulting in an amalgamation of talents that transcended expectations. The power of their collaboration on the London Sessions can be felt in every note, showcasing the immense talent and collective brilliance that still reverberates through the annals of music history.

By joining forces, these musicians created a musical tapestry that remains a testament to the enduring power of collaboration and the indelible impact of the blues. The London Sessions stand as a cherished testament to the magic that can unfold when visionary artists unite, leaving an everlasting mark on both the blues genre and the history of music.

A Life-Altering Incident

The recording schedule was intense. Then, an incident happened that stopped everything for a while. It shocked the team. Howlin’ Wolf was found passed out in a bathroom stall, leading to worries about a potential heart attack. Norman Dayron, who was worried, managed to bring him back. It was found that tiredness and drinking could have caused the incident. Fortunately, Howlin’ Wolf recovered quickly, and the sessions continued with renewed determination.

A Breakthrough and Lasting Impact

As the London Sessions ended, a sense of accomplishment permeated the air. The musicians overcame their differences and connected, creating powerful blues performances. In August 1971, Howlin’ Wolf’s career took a big turn with the release of his album. It didn’t reach high on the charts, but it made people appreciate Howlin’ Wolf’s music more. It brought together blues fans and those open to new versions of the genre. The London Sessions today show how collaboration and Howlin’ Wolf’s legacy still matter.

Conclusion

The London Sessions of Howlin’ Wolf are a big part of blues history. They brought together a famous blues musician with a group of talented rock players. The challenges they faced while recording made the outcome even better. It showed how resilient and talented everyone involved was. These sessions still have a lasting effect on music history, making Howlin’ Wolf a true blues icon. When we look back at the London Sessions, we remember how working together can create something great. It also shows how blues music never gets old.

On a personal note, I discovered this release about 3 years after its release in the summer 1971 at the age of 15. At the time I did not realize this record would forever change my perception of Rock. Why you may ask?  I saw the roots of what I had been listening to as a child of the 70’s. Realizing that all the Rock I had listened to had been inspired by the Blues. it impressed upon me the willingness of the men on this release to anxiously collaborate signaling their deep respect. This release was a large part of my journey into the Blues.

FAQ’s

What is The London Howlin’ Wolf Sessions?

• The London Howlin’ Wolf Sessions is a blues album by Howlin’ Wolf. It was released in 1971 on Chess Records and Rolling Stones Records in Britain. This collaboration includes Howlin’ Wolf and British musicians like Eric Clapton, Steve Winwood, Bill Wyman, and Charlie Watts.

When was The London Howlin’ Wolf Sessions recorded and released?

• The album was recorded from May 2 to May 7, 1970, at Olympic Sound Studios in London. It was released in August 1971.

What are some notable songs on The London Howlin’ Wolf Sessions?

• Some notable songs on the album include “Wang-Dang-Doodle,” “The Red Rooster,” “Highway 49,” “Rockin’ Daddy,” and “Who’s Been Talking?”

Who played on The London Howlin’ Wolf Sessions?

• The album features the legendary Howlin’ Wolf on vocals, along with British musicians Herbert Sumlin on Rythm Guitar, Eric Clapton on guitar, Steve Winwood on piano and organ, Bill Wyman on bass guitar, Charlie Watts on drums, Jeffrey M. Carp on Harmonica and Ian Stewart on piano

What is the significance of The London Howlin’ Wolf Sessions?

• The album is a classic blues recording. It’s an important collaboration between Howlin’ Wolf and British blues-rock musicians. The release combines various types of music and shows how Howlin’ Wolf influenced the blues genre.

Are there any other versions or editions of The London Howlin’ Wolf Sessions available?

• Yes, there are various versions and editions of the album. The deluxe edition includes the original LP, three songs from “London Revisited,” 12 new tracks from the recording sessions, and long conversations from the studio.