Out Today: Corey Congilio Releases Soulful Spin on Howlin’ Wolf’s “Who’s Been Talkin’”
NASHVILLE SINGER-SONGWRITER & GUITARIST
COREY CONGILIO
RELEASES NEW SINGLE AND MUSIC VIDEO
“WHO’S BEEN TALKIN”
— A GROOVY HOWLIN’ WOLF COVER —
TODAY
SIX-TRACK EP DUE OUT THIS SUMMER
NASHVILLE, TN (April 30, 2025) — Today, Nashville singer-songwriter and guitarist Corey Congilio puts a fresh spin on a blues classic with his new single, “Who’s Been Talkin’” — a groovy, soul-infused reinterpretation of the 1961 Howlin’ Wolf original. While staying true to the song’s roots, Corey’s smooth vocals and modern edge breathe new life into the timeless track.
STREAM “WHO’S BEEN TALKIN’” HERE.
A preview of his upcoming six-track cover EP, “Who’s Been Talkin’” marks the second release in Corey’s journey through the blues — reimagining his favorite classics in a style that reflects the genre’s deep influence on his sound. He isn’t just recreating his favorite recordings — he’s listening for the moments in between the notes, where inspiration strikes and the song can be created anew. This time, he found a Caribbean groove with a focus on the keys instead of the harmonica from the original, weaving in a mournful guitar to reminisce on the relationship gone wrong.
“The first time I heard Howlin’ Wolf’s song ‘Who’s Been Talkin’,’ I fell in love with it because it didn’t have the typical blues feel. To my ears it was a rhumba mixed with a calypso influence and that really got my attention. I was reminded of one of my favorite albums, Willie Nelson’s Teatro, and the great grooves it contained,” Corey shares. “I decided to try and combine that dark and moody feel of Wolf’s original with the inspiration from Willie’s album while igniting it a bit with my passion for blues rock. The version we came up with is something I’m very proud of and the band absolutely crushed it!”
WATCH THE “WHO’S BEEN TALKIN’” OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO BELOW:
“Who’s Been Talkin’” follows “Me,” released April 2 — an electrifying take of the 1969 blues classic originally recorded by Otis Rush. This revamped rendition is shaped by Corey’s powerful vocals and guitar-slinging talent, making the song all his own while paying homage to one of the greats of the genre. Corey reveals, “Not only did I love the groove and the playing but the lyrics really grabbed me as it tells a story about life’s struggles and how often the only friend we have is ourselves. Though it predates me, it feels like it was written from my perspective. Written by Mike Bloomfield and Nick Gravenites, it’s steeped in blues history, which I hope to honor in my version.”
Both “Me” and “Who’s Been Talkin’” will appear on Corey’s upcoming cover EP, set for release later this summer (exact date TBA).
STREAM “ME” HERE.
WATCH THE “ME” OFFICIAL LYRIC VIDEO BELOW:
On February 9, Corey released a playful original single “She’s Like The Weather,” that draws inspiration from a life coach’s analogy that relationships are like the weather: when it rains, grab an umbrella; when it snows, pick up a shovel. It’s the expectation that all relationships will have their ups and downs, but it’s the solutions that decide how strong they become. Corey’s powerful vocals smoothly lay down lyrics of a complicated person to love, with a funky bass line driving the groove into a classic blues world. He sat down with the Tennessee Star to discuss the track, offering a sneak peek into Corey’s evolving sound that has hints of a lifetime of influences. The humorous music video casts Corey as a hapless weatherman, flailing through June snowstorms and tornadoes tearing across his green screen. It’s a wild, chaotic ride — just like love itself.
STREAM “SHE’S LIKE THE WEATHER” HERE.
WATCH THE “SHE’S LIKE THE WEATHER” OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO BELOW:
For 25 years, this guitar-slinging hired gun has been the quiet force behind the scenes — touring guitarist, session musician, educator, and presenter. His extensive resume includes performances alongside renowned artists like Joss Stone, David Lee Murphy, Lucie Silvas, Radney Foster, Cassadee Pope, Derek St. Holmes, Danielle Bradbery, Laura Bell Bundy, and Barbara Blue. After cutting his teeth on stages all over the world, Corey still felt something was missing, and found himself searching for ways to express himself musically beyond playing songs written by others. Now Corey’s stepping into the spotlight, wielding his six-string stories like a weapon aimed at your soul.
Eventually, Corey leaned into songwriting, pulling out his 1967 Gibson ES-335 to craft songs that teeter on the line of traditional blues and fresh rock and roll. “It took years of building confidence to call myself a writer,” he admits. “Having a completed song expressing one’s thoughts is a feeling like no other. I realized I had something to say that I couldn’t express by just being a sideman. Watching other artists navigate the music business made me think I had as much of a shot as anyone to create music that an audience would want to hear.”
Above: Corey Congilio; Credit: Jon Karr
Finding a home base in Nashville, TN, Corey credits Music City’s vibrant community for shaping his music and career. “Virtually every aspect of living in Nashville has inspired me — whether it’s playing, writing, singing, educating or performing,” he shares. He’s taken every lesson from behind the curtain with stride, applying what he’s learned to create a music career that will last.
Corey’s impact extends far beyond the stage. Since 2010, he has authored over 30 instructional guitar courses, helping players of all levels refine their craft. His platform, WorkingClassGuitar.com — along with his popular YouTube channel that boasts 111k subscribers — offers weekly lessons, performances, and gear reviews.
Through his music, teaching, and collaborations, Corey embraces the philosophy of betting on oneself. “I’ve always felt like the underdog,” he says, “and I’m continuing to put those feelings into songs. I want listeners to take the risk and bet on themselves — whether they’re a musician, videographer, small business owner, or anything else. You have nothing to lose, and you might just succeed.”
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