The Rolling Stones have paid tribute to blues guitarist Hubert Sumlin, who recently passed away.
The blues had a baby and they named it rock ‘n’ roll. Muddy Waters popularised that phrase, but nowhere can it be seen to be more accurate, more prescient than in the career of The Rolling Stones.
The band were a product of the British blues boom, and scored their first UK number one with a version of Howlin’ Wolf’s ‘Little Red Rooster’. Playing laconic slide guitar on the original version was Hubert Sumlin, a musician who would become close to the legendary British rockers.
Sadly passing away earlier this week, Hubert Sumlin left behind him an incredible legacy. Taking time out of their anniversary plans, The Rolling Stones paused to pay their respects to one of their principle influences.
Issuing a short statement on their Facebook page, songwriter pair Mick Jagger and Keith Richards took the time to remember Sumnlin’s impact.
Mick Jagger: “Hubert was an incisive yet delicate blues player. He had a really distinctive and original tone and was a wonderful foil for Howlin’ Wolf’s growling vocal style. On a song like “Goin’ Down Slow” he could produce heart-rending emotion, and on a piece like “Wang Dang Doodle” an almost playful femininity. He was an inspiration to us all.”
Keith Richards: “With sorrow I received the news of Hubert’s pasing. He put up a long hard fight. To me he was an uncle and a teacher and all the guitar players must feel the same as myself. Warm, humorous and always encouraging, he was a gentleman of the first order. Miss him, yes, but we have his records. All my condolences to his family. One love, Hubert”.
The message also pointed fans to an important clip. Invited to appear on Shindig! the band agreed but with one condition – The Rolling Stones would be able to invite Howlin’ Wolf to perform on national television.
The result? Watch it below…
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