John Campbell - Howlin' Mercy (LP)

Howlin’ Mercy is the third and final studio album by American blues guitarist and singer John Campbell, originally released in 1993 on Elektra Records. This 180g audiophile vinyl reissue from Music on Vinyl preserves every note of Campbell’s raw, slide-driven blues in a high-quality pressing.

About the Album

Born in Shreveport, Louisiana in 1952, John Campbell drew deeply from the Delta blues tradition, counting Muddy Waters, John Lee Hooker, and Lightnin’ Hopkins among his primary influences. After years performing in clubs across Texas and New Orleans, he settled in New York City, where his ferocious live performances led to a recording contract with Elektra Records in 1991.

Howlin’ Mercy was produced by Dennis Walker, best known for his extensive work with Robert Cray. The album showcases Campbell’s powerful slide guitar work and gravelly vocals across ten tracks that range from brooding originals to a devastating blues reinterpretation of Led Zeppelin’s When The Levee Breaks. Other highlights include Down In The Hole, written by Tom Waits, and the menacing Wolf Among The Lambs.

Tragically, John Campbell died of heart failure in 1993 at the age of 41, shortly after completing this album. Howlin’ Mercy stands as a testament to his formidable talent and remains one of the most acclaimed blues rock albums of the early 1990s.

Music on Vinyl Reissue

This reissue is pressed on 180g virgin vinyl by Music on Vinyl, a Dutch label specialising in high-quality audiophile repressings. The heavier weight vinyl provides a more stable platform during playback, reducing resonance and improving tracking accuracy.