Howlin’ Wolf, born as Chester Arthur Burnett, was a towering figure in American blues. Known for his deep, gravelly voice and commanding stage presence, he became a key figure in the Chicago blues scene.
His music blended Delta roots with urban electricity, helping shape the sound of modern blues. Songs like Smokestack Lightning, Spoonful, and Killing Floor have become genre staples.
Beyond his recordings, Howlin’ Wolf inspired artists like The Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin, and Eric Clapton.
About the Song
Smokestack Lightning by Howlin’ Wolf is one of the most iconic blues tracks ever recorded. With its hypnotic guitar riff and haunting vocals, the song captures raw emotion and deep longing. Though the lyrics are sparse and repetitive, they evoke powerful feelings of love, loneliness, and wandering.
The phrase “smokestack lightning” refers to the glow and smoke from train engines—an image tied to movement, freedom, and mystery. Released in the 1950s, it became a defining moment in Chicago blues.
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Release Date | March 1, 1956 |
| Album | Moanin’ in the Moonlight |
| Writer | Howlin’ Wolf |
| Producer | Sam Phillips, Willie Dixon, Phil Chess & Leonard Chess |
Complete Smokestack Lightning Lyrics
Verse 1
Ah-oh, smokestack lightnin’
Shinin’ just like gold
Why don’t ya hear me cryin’?
A-whoo-hooo, oooo
Whooo
Verse 2
Whoa-oh, tell me baby
What’s the matter with you?
Why don’t ya hear me cryin’?
Whoo-hooo, whoo-hooo
Whooo
Verse 3
Whoa-oh, tell me baby
Where did ya stay last night?
A-why don’t ya hear me cryin’?
Whoo-hooo, whoo-hooo
Whooo
Verse 4
Whoa-oh, stop your train
Let a poor boy ride
Why don’t ya hear me cryin’?
Whoo-hooo, whoo-hooo
Whooo
Verse 5
Whoa-oh, fare ya well
Never see a you no more
A-why don’t ya hear me cryin’?
Oooo, whoo-hooo, whoo-hooo
Whooo
Verse 6
Whoa-oh, who been here baby since
I-I been gone, a little, bitty boy?
Girl, be on
A-whoo-hooo, whoo-hooo
Similar Songs Like Smokestack Lightning
Drawn in by the smoky groove and raw emotion of Smokestack Lightning? You’ll likely enjoy more of Howlin’ Wolf’s blues gems. His songs capture deep feelings with gritty vocals, sharp guitar work, and unforgettable rhythms. Each track carries its own story—some are bold and fiery, others are slow and haunting.
- Spoonful: This blues classic builds slow and steady with deep emotion. It’s about wanting something so badly, you’d give everything for just a spoonful.
- Killing Floor: This track has a sharp, electrified edge. It tells the story of heartbreak and betrayal with a fierce, almost explosive energy throughout.
- Moanin’ at Midnight: Right from the start, this song feels haunting. Howlin’ Wolf’s growl and the eerie guitar make it unforgettable and completely gripping.
Similar Artists Like Howlin’ Wolf
Many artists from the same era carried a similar sound—full of emotion, soul, and the hard truths of life. These musicians helped shape the blues into what it is today, blending deep vocals, powerful lyrics, and unforgettable guitar work. Below are five blues legends who share that same spirit and intensity, each with their own unique style.
- Muddy Waters
Genre: Chicago Blues
Top albums: The Best of Muddy Waters (1958), Folk Singer (1964), Electric Mud (1968), Hard Again (1977) - Son House
Genre: Delta Blues
Top albums: The Legendary Son House: Father of Folk Blues (1965), Delta Blues and Spirituals (1995), Son House & the Great Delta Blues Singers (2003) - John Lee Hooker
Genre: Blues / Boogie
Top albums: House of the Blues (1959), It Serve You Right to Suffer (1966), The Healer (1989), Mr. Lucky (1991) - Elmore James
Genre: Slide Guitar Blues
Top albums: Blues After Hours (1960), The Sky Is Crying: The History of Elmore James (1993), King of the Slide Guitar (2003), Dust My Broom (2005) - Lightnin’ Hopkins
Genre: Country Blues
Top albums: Lightnin’ and the Blues (1954), Mojo Hand (1962), The Texas Bluesman (1971), The Very Best of Lightnin’ Hopkins (1999)
Frequently Asked Questions
What Makes Smokestack Lightning Musically Distinctive?
Smokestack Lightning is famous for its hypnotic, one-chord vamp, Wolf’s intense field holler vocals, falsetto howls, and the iconic guitar riff by Hubert Sumlin. The song’s rhythm subtly accelerates, mimicking the movement of a train.
Was Smokestack Lightning Commercially Successful?
Yes, it reached number 11 on the Billboard R&B chart in 1956 and became one of Howlin’ Wolf’s most popular and influential songs.
Has Smokestack Lightning Received Any Awards?
The song was inducted into the Blues Foundation Hall of Fame in 1985, received a Grammy Hall of Fame Award in 1999, and was selected for preservation in the National Recording Registry by the Library of Congress.
