Blues expert's/historian's knowledge needed regarding a Tom Waits song

Below is the Tom Waits song, "Way Down In The Whole".  At various times I have heard older blues songs that had a very similar Bass riff as the Bass riff in "Way Down In The Hole." Unfortunately this was before Shazam, and I was not in a situation where I could find out who the artist was. For example, it seems I have heard such songs at live shows over the PA between bands. Any Blues experts/historians out there who can point me to some older Bluesmen or Blueswomen who often or regularly used a similar, dominant Bass riff and tempo? Seems like when I heard this type of blues, it sounded perhaps pre-1950s. Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks.