Mississippi Hoo Doo Man (Live 2005)

The song "Mississippi Hoo Doo Man (Live 2005)" by Omar & The Howlers, featured on the album Bamboozled: Live in Germany, captures the raw energy of their performance at the Musa in Gottingen, Germany, on October 20, 2005. This track, clocking in at 5:16 minutes, is a gritty blues-rock anthem that channels the swampy, mystical vibes of the Mississippi Delta. According to a 1987 Los Angeles Times interview, frontman Omar Dykes drew inspiration from the "hoodoo" culture of his hometown, McComb, Mississippi, where good luck charms like rabbits' feet and black cat bones were common. Dykes described the song as carrying a "menacing undercurrent," reflecting his bearlike stage presence and deep connection to the Gulf States' musical heritage. The live version amplifies this with Dykes' ragged, Wolfman Jack-esque vocals and overdriven guitar, making it a standout track that reviewers have compared to Creedence Clearwater Revival's "Run Through the Jungle."

Another piece of trivia comes from a 2005 Amazon review of the Live at Paradiso album, which notes that "Mississippi Hoo Doo Man" resonates with fans for its similarity to CCR's sound, a nod to Dykes' ability to blend Texas blues with swamp rock. The song's lyrics, as shared on MetroLyrics, paint a vivid picture of a mystical figure born in a cotton patch, raised by a rattlesnake, and wielding a monkey paw and black spider ball. This imagery reflects Dykes' storytelling, rooted in the folklore of his upbringing. Fans on Facebook have praised the live 2005 rendition for its raw intensity, with one commenter on a YouTube upload calling it "Omar picking up where Creedence left off." The song's chords, available on Chordu, include A, E, Em, G, Am, and D, making it accessible for aspiring musicians to jam along.

Omar Kent Dykes, the driving force behind Omar & The Howlers, was born in 1950 in McComb, Mississippi, a town also known as the birthplace of Bo Diddley. According to his bio on Wikipedia, Dykes started playing guitar at age 12 and formed his first band at 13. By his 20s, he had assembled a group of musicians in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, who called themselves "the Howlers." They were a party band, playing R&B, rock 'n' roll, and even polka and western swing at frat parties. Dykes fondly recalls these early days as formative, when he adopted the stage name "Omar" and deepened his love for the blues. In 1973, the original Howlers formed in Hattiesburg, but by 1976, Dykes relocated to Austin, Texas, drawn by its vibrant music scene, home to artists like Stevie Ray Vaughan and Eric Johnson.

In Austin, the band faced a setback when the original members quit, feeling unfit for full-time music. Dykes stayed, kept the name, and rebuilt the band, gigging relentlessly. His persistence paid off, as Omar & The Howlers released their debut album, Big Leg Beat, in 1980. They gained a reputation for electrifying live shows, leading to a deal with Columbia Records in the mid-1980s. Their 1987 album Hard Times in the Land of Plenty was a breakthrough, selling over half a million copies and featuring a top 20 hit. Since then, the band has released over 25 albums across various labels, earning a loyal following in the U.S. and Europe, where they frequently tour.

Fans can connect with Omar & The Howlers through their Facebook page, where they share tour updates and nostalgic posts, and their Instagram, which features band photos and performance clips. On X, Dykes occasionally engages with followers, sharing thoughts on music and upcoming shows. The band's official website, www.omarandthehowlers.com, offers tour dates, discography, and merch. For dedicated fans, the Omar & The Howlers Fans Facebook Group is a vibrant community where "Zoo Freaks" discuss favorite tracks like "Mississippi Hoo Doo Man" and share concert memories. Other fan-driven sites, like AllMusic, provide detailed discographies and reviews for enthusiasts.