Howlin' Wolf

Howlin' Wolf
Eatonland · CC BY-SA 4.0 · source
Name	Howlin' Wolf
Caption	Howlin' Wolf performing in 1972
Background	solo_singer
Birth name	Chester Arthur Burnett
Alias	The Howlin' Wolf
Birth date	10 June 1910
Birth place	White Station, Mississippi, U.S.
Death date	10 January 1976
Death place	Hines, Illinois, U.S.
Genre	Chicago blues, Delta blues, electric blues
Occupation	Musician, singer, songwriter, bandleader
Instrument	Vocals, harmonica, guitar
Years active	1930s–1976
Label	Chess Records, RPM Records
Associated acts	Muddy Waters, Willie Dixon, Hubert Sumlin, The Rolling Stones, Eric Clapton

Howlin' Wolf was an influential American blues singer, guitarist, and harmonica player, renowned for his powerful, gravelly voice and commanding stage presence. A central figure in the development of Chicago blues, his recordings for Chess Records in the 1950s and 1960s became cornerstones of the genre. His raw, intense style profoundly influenced the British Invasion and the development of rock and roll, securing his legacy as one of the most important blues musicians of the 20th century.

Early life and musical beginnings

Chester Arthur Burnett was born in White Station, Mississippi, and spent his early years working on a plantation. He was deeply influenced by the country blues of Charley Patton, who performed locally and became his first musical mentor. During the 1930s, he also learned harmonica techniques from Sonny Boy Williamson II (Aleck Miller) and began performing at local juke joints and parties. After serving in the United States Army during World War II, he formed his first electric band in West Memphis, Arkansas, where his powerful performances on radio station KWEM caught the attention of Ike Turner.

Career and recordings

Turner helped him secure a recording contract with RPM Records, owned by the Bihari brothers, where he cut early tracks like "How Many More Years." His potent sound soon attracted the interest of Leonard Chess of Chess Records in Chicago, leading to a fierce bidding war. By 1953, he had moved to Chicago and began recording seminal sides for Chess, often with songwriter and bassist Willie Dixon providing material. Classic singles like "Smokestack Lightnin'", "Spoonful", "Back Door Man", and "The Red Rooster" (later covered as "Little Red Rooster" by The Rolling Stones) defined his career. He toured extensively on the Chitlin' Circuit and recorded celebrated albums such as Moanin' in the Moonlight and the influential 1962 LP Howlin' Wolf, often called "The Rockin' Chair Album."

Musical style and influence

His style fused the raw intensity of Delta blues with the amplified force of Chicago blues, characterized by his booming, raspy vocal delivery and hypnotic, rhythmic grooves. Guitarist Hubert Sumlin was a pivotal collaborator, his jagged, inventive playing providing a signature counterpoint to Wolf's voice. This sound became a foundational element for the British blues boom, directly inspiring artists like The Yardbirds, Cream, and Led Zeppelin. His songs were frequently covered by rock acts, and his 1971 album The London Howlin' Wolf Sessions featured contributions from Eric Clapton, Steve Winwood, and members of The Rolling Stones.

Personal life and legacy

Known for his imposing physical stature and disciplined, businesslike approach to his career, he was a sharp contrast to some of his more raucous contemporaries. He was married to Lillie Burnett for over three decades and was a dedicated family man. In later years, he suffered from several health issues, including kidney damage from a 1970 car accident. He died in 1976 from complications following kidney surgery. His legacy is enshrined with inductions into the Blues Hall of Fame (1980), the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (1991), and a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award (2012). His music remains a vital touchstone for blues and rock musicians worldwide.

Discography

His seminal recordings are primarily found on the Chess label. Key studio albums include Moanin' in the Moonlight (1959), Howlin' Wolf (1962), and The Real Folk Blues (1966). The compilation His Best (1997) is part of the acclaimed Chess 50th Anniversary Collection. Important later works include the live album The London Howlin' Wolf Sessions (1971) and the Grammy-nominated The Back Door Wolf (1973).

Category:American blues singers Category:American blues guitarists Category:Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award winners Category:Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees