Stevie Ray Vaughan, one of the most celebrated guitarists in history, is often remembered for his immense influence on the world of blues and rock music. Tragically, his life was cut short, leaving fans to wonder what more he could have contributed to the guitar world had he lived longer. However, his legacy remains as one of the greatest guitarists to ever live, transcending genres and inspiring generations of musicians.
What is often overlooked, though, is the recognition of other influential guitarists who may not have gained the same fame, but were equally deserving of acknowledgment. These players, though overshadowed by Vaughan’s towering presence, possessed extraordinary talents that stood shoulder to shoulder with his own. Vaughan, ever the humble musician, was always vocal about honoring lesser-known guitarists who deserved more recognition for their work, frequently mentioning the names of those who had a profound impact on his own playing.
One of these artists was Hubert Sumlin, the legendary guitarist who played in Howlin’ Wolf’s band. While Sumlin was well-respected within blues circles, his name often gets lost in the shadows of the more famous figures of the genre. Vaughan, however, was quick to highlight Sumlin’s brilliance. In a 1985 interview, Vaughan referred to Sumlin as “probably the heaviest, most original guitar player I ever heard in my life,” adding, “I ain’t ever seen a grown man jump up and down and have so much fun when he plays on his guitar.” Vaughan would later elaborate on Sumlin’s role in shaping the music of Howlin’ Wolf, saying, “He was the driving force behind Howlin’ Wolf…he wrote a lot of those songs, and nobody ever mentioned his name.”
Sumlin’s path to greatness was an unusual one. At just 12 years old, he sneaked into a Howlin’ Wolf concert, crawling between the legs of the crowd to catch a glimpse of his idol. Howlin’ Wolf noticed the young boy and asked him to sit still on stage, before the bouncers removed him. After the incident, Howlin’ Wolf escorted the young fan home and kindly told his mother not to punish him for his behavior, remarking, “Don’t punish him, he just wanted to hear the music.” This moment marked the beginning of Sumlin’s long association with the blues giant.
Sumlin went on to work with Howlin’ Wolf from 1954 until the bluesman’s death in 1976, and continued performing with his bandmates after Wolf’s passing. He also embarked on a successful solo career and became a respected session musician. Yet, despite his considerable talents and contributions to blues music, Sumlin’s name is rarely mentioned alongside other guitar legends. It’s a mystery why such a virtuoso has been overlooked by mainstream history, but at least Stevie Ray Vaughan recognized his importance and ensured his name wasn’t forgotten.
Vaughan’s admiration for Sumlin highlights the enduring impact of lesser-known musicians who shaped the sound and soul of the blues. Their contributions, while sometimes overlooked, continue to inspire guitarists and music lovers worldwide.
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