A Chat About Willie Johnson, Howlin' Wolf's Guitar Genius

Howlin Wolf's Sun recordings feature guitarist Willie Johnson playing jazzy chords and jabbing leads with a distorted, roaring tone and nearly frantic aggression, matching the Wolf's raw voice and huge presence. Willie Johnson's style may have began in the Delta but it aspired towards the more urbane guitar stylings of Johnny Moore, T Bone Walker and Pee Wee Crayton, with unique and unforgettable results. I listened to a 92 song youtube playlist of songs Willie Johnson recorded backing Wolf as well as other singers such as Willie Nix, Sonny Lewis and Earring George. I realized that while Johnson has a consistent style throughout, he never repeats himself and like Earl Hooker or Jody Williams, finds endless creative variations within his style. Bearing that in mind, this lesson's less of a "licks" lesson and more a discussion of the elements of his style: the swing chords, the jabbing leads, his sustained tone and his phrasing. Have fun checking out this singular guitarist. Thanks to Dave Waldman and Illinois Slim for some anecdotes and insights into WJ's style and for Don Deering for compiling that amazing 92 song playlist!

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