Spin enough classic records and at some point, you‘ll see the same name in the writing credits: Willie Dixon, who helped to define the Chicago blues sound throughout the ‘50s and early ‘60s as a songwriter, bassist and producer for Chess Records. He was born in Vicksburg, Miss., in 1915, one of 14 children, and sang a song in public for the first time at age four in a Baptist church. He moved to Chicago in his early twenties and soon formed several music groups.

Though he signed with Chess as a recording artist, he soon became a full-time employee. His work was performed by titans like Muddy Waters, Howlin’ Wolf and Little Walter, all of whom helped invent a new electric sound that would inspire a young generation of musicians.

By the mid-1960s, that impact made itself known in the burgeoning rock world. Bands like Led Zeppelin, the Rolling Stones and others eagerly laid claim to Dixon’s material and found that his catchy hooks, cheeky wit and killer grooves came alive through heavy amps and electric guitars. Dixon died in 1992 at age 76. He was inducted posthumously into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in the Musical Influence category in 1994.

These 11 covers—well, 12, actually as we’ve included two versions of “Spoonful”—by music giants are just a sampling; countless other classic rock bands tackled his phenomenal song catalog, often introducing Chicago blues to listeners worldwide.

“I Ain’t Superstitious”—Jeff Beck Group (1968)

This thunderous version closes out Truth, the band’s first outing, recasting a Dixon tune originally laid down by Howlin’ Wolf back in 1961. With Beck‘s inspired guitar soloing and Rod Stewart‘s commanding vocal turning the track‘s sly blues groove into a blues-rock epic, this is prime late ’60s British blues-rock.

“You Need Loving”—Small Faces (1966)

The London rock band placed this buzzing tune on their first full-length album, Small Faces. Built around the Dixon tune “You Need Love,” which was recorded by Muddy Waters in 1962, this rendition features Steve Marriott‘s huge voice and shows the band‘s heavy R&B roots to full effect. Here is the energy of the London blues scene in full swing.

“I Just Want to Make Love to You”—Foghat (1972)

The leadoff track on their self-titled debut album first appeared on a 1954 recording by Waters. It’s a blues-rock stomper, with the boogie band using a propulsive groove and strong guitar hook. Not surprisingly, it became a live show staple for them.

“Evil”—Cactus (1971)

This tune comes from the American blues-rock band and is included on the album Restrictions. It was originally done by Howlin’ Wolf in 1963, and includes Dixon’s trademark humor and bravado. Here Cactus lays down a rough and tough cover, driven by powerful guitar and a dynamite rhythm section.

“Let Me Love You Baby”—Savoy Brown (1967)

This Willie Dixon song graced the debut album, Shake Down, from the British blues veterans. Written and first performed by Buddy Guy in 1961, the tune sits perfectly at home with Savoy Brown‘s raucous blues club-style testament to the influence Chicago had on the British blues explosion.

“Seventh Son”—Johnny Rivers (1965)

The great singer was on a serious roll when this single was released on his Meanwhile Back at the Whisky à Go Go album, ultimately reaching #7 on the Hot 100. The song was first recorded by Willie Mabon in 1955, followed by Mose Allison in 1959. Rivers’ rendition propelled the song to the pop-rock mainstream.

“Diddy Wah Diddy”—Captain Beefheart and His Magic Band (1966)

This frolicking blues tune was produced by David Gates, later the frontman of the popular soft-rock group Bread. Dixon co-wrote the song with a fellow named Elias McDaniel, known professionally as Bo Diddley, and became a staple of Chicago blues. This version embodies the playful, blues-rock experimentation of the mid-’60s.

“Wang Dang Doodle”—Savoy Brown (1971)

Savoy Brown visited the Dixon songbook again for this track from their album Street Corner Talking. This one was first recorded by Howlin’ Wolf in 1960 and made famous by Koko Taylor in 1965, when it reached #13 on the R&B singles chart. This energetic take of the song‘s celebratory feeling fits them well.

“(I‘m Your) Hoochie Coochie Man”—The Shadows of Knight (1966)

This Dixon classic was reinterpreted by the Chicago garage rock group, for their debut LP Gloria, one of three Dixon covers on the album. Waters was the first to record it, way back in 1954, and it’s since become a blues standard, performed by such heavyweights as Jimi Hendrix, Buddy Guy, the Allman Brothers Band and Eric Clapton, among many others. Among the song’s many honors was its selection in the National Recording Registry in 2004.

“Mellow Down Easy”—The Paul Butterfield Blues Band (1965)

Their self-titled debut includes a swinging version of this track, first recorded by Little Walter back in 1954. This recording exemplifies the authentic Chicago blues feel of Butterfield‘s band which, with the addition of Mike Bloomfield on guitar, helped to bring blues to a rock audience.

“Spoonful”—Ten Years After (1968)

If you want an explosive live performance, the English blues-rock band played a scorcher that was later included on the expanded edition of their concert album Undead. Alvin Lee‘s incredible guitar solo lights this one up, and was understandably a highlight in their live sets.

“Spoonful”—Cream (1966)

An earlier studio version of the same track as above came from the British trio’s debut LP, Fresh Cream. Howlin’ Wolf recorded it first, in 1960, but this arrangement provided the perfect vehicle for the band to stretch out with improvisation, propelled by Eric Clapton‘s distinctive guitar work. It was a centerpiece of their live shows.

Related: Our interview with Bob Sarles, co-director of Born in Chicago, a 2023 documentary about the city’s game-changing blues scene