Long Cool Woman in a Black Dress

Get down with The Hollies' surprisingly gritty 1971 hit, "Long Cool Woman in a Black Dress"! A departure from their pop sound, this swamp rock classic features a killer guitar riff and Allan Clarke's distinctive vocals, becoming one of their biggest international successes.

Featured on the 1971 album Distant Light and rocketing up the US charts in 1972, "Long Cool Woman in a Black Dress" showcased a different side of The Hollies. Inspired by Creedence Clearwater Revival, this swamp rock track, penned by Clarke, Roger Cook, and Roger Greenaway, hit hard with its reverb-laden guitar and driving beat.

This 1971 rock staple stands out with its iconic slapping bassline and atmospheric guitar intro. Telling a noir-ish tale, "Long Cool Woman in a Black Dress" remains The Hollies' highest-charting single in the US, a testament to its unique swamp rock groove and enduring cool.

SONG MEANING: The song tells a story from the point of view of an FBI agent raiding a bootleg liquor operation ("Working for the FBI"). Amidst the action, he becomes captivated by a mysterious and alluring woman present at the scene ("a long cool woman in a black dress"), who is revealed to be connected to the operation's boss.