Evil (song)
| Evil | |
|---|---|
| Howlin 'wolf | |
| publication | 1954 |
| length | 2:55 |
| Genre (s) | Chicago blues , blues |
| Author (s) | Willie Dixon |
Evil is a blues song written by Willie Dixon and first recorded by Howlin 'Wolf for Chess Records in 1954 . Over time, partly through countless cover versions, it became a blues standard.
In addition to being released as a single in 1954, the song also appeared on the album Moanin 'in the Moonlight , which was released in 1959 and garnered many previously released singles. In 1969, Evil was another hit and Wolf's last single in the charts when he re-recorded the track for The Howlin 'Wolf Album .
The original version from 1954 was produced by Leonard and Phil Chess and Willie Dixon for Chess Records. In addition to Wolf (vocals and harmonica) and Dixon (bass), Hubert Sumlin (guitar), Jody Williams (guitar), Otis Spann (piano) and Earl Phillips (drums) can be heard on the recording. Wolf delivers a moving vocal performance, which is particularly noticeable with the eponymous word Evil . The song is almost notorious for Wolf's singing.
In terms of content, the song is about the evil that goes on in a man's home when he is traveling. The subject of adultery appears to be particularly relevant . Wolf almost warns the listener when he sings: You better watch your happy home .
Evil has been covered by a wide variety of musicians, including Canned Heat , Derek and the Dominos and Luther Allison .