So, these 1000 songs are mainly just what I have heard over the years. However, I think there was a natural starting point for my taste prior to embarking on this project. I think that starting point was Howlin' Wolf. Specifically, "Smokestack Lightnin'" 1956.

When I had gone backwards through my 90s bands to the 60s, and then forward to the 70s, "Smokestack Lightnin'" was where it started.

Smokestack Lightnin' by Howlin' Wolf

Now... little did I know that Mr. Wolf, born Chester Arthur Burnett, cut his teeth with a certain Charley Patton and was discovered by Ike Turner (yes, Tina's husband, who turned out not to be such a nice man).

Howlin' Wolf was also came to the attention of Sam Phillips, who then went on to launch Elvis's career.

He was a pioneer of turning Delta blues into Chicago blues, of course, with the help of electrification. Add to that the fact that he stood at an imposing 6 foot 3 and weighed close to 300 pounds; his massive physical presence perfectly matched his booming, gravelly voice.

But I am picking these on sound. And "Wang Dang Doodle" is right up there, and of course,

Wang Dang Doodle by Howlin' Wolf

I could not include Howlin' Wolf without including something from 1951, when the records started: "Crying at Daybreak".

To wrap it all off, I included "All Night Boogie" from 1953.

All Night Boogie by Howlin' Wolf

But yes, Howlin' Wolf is someone who I'll keep returning to while I keep stitching all these together!