Hosea Lee Kennard

l to r: Howlin’ Wolf, Hosea Lee Kennard and Tampa Red | Pinterest | tc767

Hosea Lee Kennard, the pianist/organist who plays on Howlin’ Wolf’s “Smokestack lightning” and other R&B classics, was born Hozie L. Kennard in Oktibbeha County, Mississippi, on June 9, 1936 and is now thought to be based in Georgia. He has recorded in Memphis (at Stax, with Booker T and the MGs) and at Muscle Shoals, Alabama (for Capricorn Records and the Allman Brothers Band). He was most recently credited on an album in 2020.

Many thanks to Marc for helping with a photo, real name and date of birth.

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Chess Records 80

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