Hi William,

Thank you for contacting Mearto with your appraisal inquiry.

The 1964 "Battle of the Blues" between Howlin' Wolf and Muddy Waters at Club Paradise in Memphis was significant — culturally, historically, and musically, for several reasons: Muddy Waters and Howlin' Wolf were the most influential figures in the postwar Chicago blues scene. Both helped shape electric blues, which directly influenced rock 'n' roll and artists like The Rolling Stones, Eric Clapton, and Led Zeppelin. Having them face off in a "battle" brought together two contrasting styles: Muddy’s smoother, deeply rhythmic Mississippi Delta-based blues vs. Wolf’s raw, aggressive, growling vocals.

Club Paradise in Memphis was one of the premier Black nightclubs in the South during the Jim Crow era. Hosting this event highlighted Memphis as a central hub for blues and soul before cities like Chicago and Detroit dominated the national scene.

Events like this were key in spreading blues music from Southern juke joints to wider audiences. It symbolized not just competition, but celebration of blues as a vibrant, evolving art form. The rivalry between Wolf and Waters was real but respectful. Their "battle" performances showed musicians could compete without animosity. This format inspired later music battles — from Motown showdowns to modern-day DJ battles and rap battles.

Blues, more than most genres, thrives in live settings. This event would’ve offered the audience a powerful, emotionally charged experience — something no recording could fully capture. In other words, this wasn’t just a concert — it was a symbolic moment in blues history. It represented a peak of Black musical artistry, a rare moment when two giants shared a stage, competing and complementing each other in front of a captivated crowd.

There were a couple of different styles of poster made for this concert; when this example comes to auction, it usually sells for between $50 and $75.

Based on the photos and information provided, and subject to examination, this is:

A vintage 1964 Club Paradise concert poster for the "Battle of the Blues" between The Howling Wolf and Muddy Waters
Issued by Globe Poster, Baltimore
72cm x 46cm (28-3/8 by 18-1/8 inches)
CONDITION: With minimal wear
PROVENANCE: Inherited
$50-75*
*represents a fair-market value for auction purposes; retail or asking price may vary.

Please let us know if you have additional items to appraise, or questions/concerns, and thank you again for using Mearto.
~ Delia