'The Best of Little Walter', released in 1957 on The Chess label, is a compilation of twelve songs. Ten of these songs achieved the Top 10 position on the Billboard R&B charts between 1952 and 1955. This is the only LP released during Little Walter's lifetime. The Best of Little Walter is arguably, one of the most influential blues harmonica albums ever released.
Normally, I'm a not big fan of "best of" or "greatest hits" albums. There are however exceptions, and this album is one of them.
Walter revolutionized the harmonica by plugging it into a microphone and pushing it through an amp, creating a dirty, distorted tone that forever changed the sound of blues. This compilation features some of "Little" Walter Jacobs' most iconic sides, including "Juke" (the only harmonica instrumental to ever reach the top of the Billboard R&B chart), "My Babe", "Blues With a Feeling", "Off the Wall", and more. These tracks not only set the standard but also became the benchmark for electric blues harp, influencing countless musicians.
Today's freeload, is a 24bit/192kHz vinyl rip of the reissue from the Acoustic Sounds label, released on February 20, 2026. The audio on this is sublime, it was mastered by Matt Lutthans at The Mastering Lab from the original Chess tapes. This reissue smokes.
Sly & The Family Stone's Greatest Hits. Growing up in NO, it seems like everyone owned this lp and it was played everywhere. Was a rite of summertime to have this playing at outdoor parties. Missing some of his then more recent tracks, but not a dud anywhere on the album.
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