While Aerosmith is often celebrated for their glammed-up rock and metal sound, many forget that the band’s early roots were deeply planted in blues music. Formed in 1970, Aerosmith spent years honing their craft before achieving major chart success in the late 1980s. Before the band commercialized their sound, Joe Perry’s guitar work prominently showcased his love for the blues.
Throughout the decades, Aerosmith has seen very few lineup changes compared to other major rock bands, allowing them to grow and evolve together. Despite their adaptations, the group often returned to their original inspirations whenever they felt creatively stagnant. Revisiting their roots has been a reliable way to reignite their excitement for making music.
This desire to reconnect with their beginnings led to the creation of Honkin’ on Bobo, a 2004 album composed entirely of cover songs from the artists who shaped their musical foundation. Although the album features versions of tracks by Aretha Franklin and Fleetwood Mac, the majority pays homage to traditional blues legends like Sonny Boy Williamson and Muddy Waters.
Joe Perry explained that the motivation behind releasing an album of covers so late into their career was simple: the band wanted to try something new and reignite their passion for playing. For Perry, there was an additional personal highlight—getting the chance to perform a song by one of his greatest blues idols, Mississippi Fred McDowell.
Though McDowell may not be a household name, he had a profound influence on Perry from the moment he first heard his music. Honkin’ on Bobo includes two of McDowell’s originals, as well as a traditional song performed in McDowell’s distinctive style. Perry takes lead vocals on “Back Back Train,” honoring his hero in a deeply personal way.
In a 2004 interview with Guitarist Magazine, Perry expressed his admiration for McDowell’s raw sound, saying, “There’s a feeling that I get when I hear him play that I don’t get anywhere else. The few bits of video recording that I’ve seen, and the sound of him on record, I just find really primal, really rootsy.” While McDowell might not have the mainstream fame of John Lee Hooker, Muddy Waters, or B.B. King, Perry believes he offered something entirely unique.
“He was a bit too Delta to really fit in with the Chicago guys,” Perry added, explaining that McDowell’s style was more folk-oriented and less suited to commercial radio. “But so was Son House. The only reason they had success in the sixties was because guys like the Stones and a lot of English bands brought their songs to the forefront.”
Thanks to Perry’s devotion, Mississippi Fred McDowell has received renewed attention. Aerosmith’s heartfelt rendition of “Back Back Train” stands as a fitting tribute to an unsung master of the Delta Blues.
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