Introduction:
“Long Cool Woman (In a Black Dress)” is one of the most iconic hits by the British rock band The Hollies. Released in April 1972 as a single from their album Distant Light, the song quickly gained popularity, particularly in the United States. The track represents a notable departure from The Hollies’ usual style, which had previously leaned toward pop-rock and harmony-heavy melodies. “Long Cool Woman” showcased a more straightforward rock sound, heavily influenced by American swamp rock, with clear influences from bands like Creedence Clearwater Revival (CCR).
The song is notable for its stripped-back production and minimal vocal harmonies, which were a hallmark of The Hollies’ earlier work. Instead, it features a gritty, guitar-driven rhythm, with lead singer Allan Clarke‘s raspy vocal performance at the forefront. Clarke himself co-wrote the song alongside Roger Cook and Roger Greenaway. Interestingly, Clarke’s vocal style and the song’s swampy, southern rock feel were often compared to John Fogerty of CCR.
Despite some initial uncertainty about how the song would be received—since it marked a shift in The Hollies’ sound—it turned out to be one of the band’s most successful singles. “Long Cool Woman (In a Black Dress)” peaked at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States and became their highest-charting single in the country. It also reached the Top 10 in several other countries, although it performed more modestly in the UK, where it peaked at No. 32.
As a rock song, “Long Cool Woman” stands out for its raw energy, which made it a favorite on American rock radio stations. It remains one of The Hollies’ most enduring songs and has been widely recognized as a classic in 1970s rock music.