Howlin' Wolf

Howlin' Wolf
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Name	Howlin' Wolf
Birth name	Chester Arthur Burnett
Birth date	June 10, 1910
Birth place	White Station, Mississippi
Death date	January 10, 1976
Death place	Chicago, Illinois
Genre	Blues, Chicago blues
Occupation	Musician, Singer, Songwriter
Instrument	Vocals, Guitar, Harmonica

Howlin' Wolf was a renowned American blues singer, guitarist, and harmonica player, known for his powerful and distinctive voice, as well as his iconic songs, such as Killing Floor and Spoonful. He was a major figure in the development of Chicago blues, influencing many notable musicians, including Eric Clapton, Led Zeppelin, and The Rolling Stones. Howlin' Wolf's music was also shaped by his experiences growing up in the Mississippi Delta region, where he was exposed to the sounds of Delta blues musicians like Charlie Patton and Son House. His unique style and sound were further influenced by his interactions with other notable blues musicians, such as Muddy Waters and Little Walter.

Early Life

Howlin' Wolf was born Chester Arthur Burnett on June 10, 1910, in White Station, Mississippi, to a family of African American sharecroppers. He grew up in a musical family and was exposed to the sounds of blues and gospel music from an early age, listening to musicians like Bessie Smith and Ma Rainey. Howlin' Wolf's early life was marked by hardship and struggle, including a troubled relationship with his father, Leon "Dick" Burnett, and a period of time spent living with his uncle, Willie "Bull" Burnett, in Aberdeen, Mississippi. He attended school in Ruleville, Mississippi, where he was influenced by the music of Robert Johnson and Sonny Boy Williamson II.

Music Career

Howlin' Wolf's music career began in the 1930s, when he started performing in local juke joints and blues clubs in the Mississippi Delta region. He was discovered by Ralph Bass, a talent scout for Chess Records, who signed him to the label in 1951. Howlin' Wolf's first single, Moanin' at Midnight, was released in 1951 and became a hit, reaching the top of the Billboard Rhythm and Blues charts. He went on to release many successful albums and singles, including Howlin' Wolf (album), Rockin' the Blues, and The Real Folk Blues. Howlin' Wolf's music was also featured in several films, including The Blues Brothers and Cadillac Records, and he performed at numerous music festivals, including the Newport Jazz Festival and the American Folk Blues Festival.

Style and Influence

Howlin' Wolf's unique style and sound were characterized by his powerful and distinctive voice, as well as his mastery of the harmonica and guitar. He was influenced by a wide range of musicians, including Delta blues legends like Charlie Patton and Son House, as well as Chicago blues musicians like Muddy Waters and Little Walter. Howlin' Wolf's music also incorporated elements of rock and roll and rhythm and blues, and he was an important influence on the development of electric blues and rock music. Many notable musicians have covered Howlin' Wolf's songs, including The Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin, and Eric Clapton, and he has been named as an influence by musicians like Bob Dylan and Bruce Springsteen. Howlin' Wolf's music has also been featured in several Grammy Award-winning albums, including The Complete Recordings and His Best.

Discography

Howlin' Wolf's discography includes many classic albums and singles, such as Howlin' Wolf (album), Moanin' at Midnight, and Killing Floor. He released music on several labels, including Chess Records, Cadet Records, and MCA Records. Some of his most notable albums include The Real Folk Blues, More Real Folk Blues, and The London Howlin' Wolf Sessions, which feature guest appearances by musicians like Eric Clapton and Steve Winwood. Howlin' Wolf's music has been compiled into several box sets and compilation albums, including The Complete Recordings and His Best, which showcase his unique style and sound.

Personal Life

Howlin' Wolf was married twice, first to Lillie Burnett and then to Bettye Burnett, and had several children. He was known for his charismatic stage presence and his ability to connect with audiences, and he was a popular performer on the blues circuit. Howlin' Wolf was also a successful businessman, and he owned several nightclubs and music venues in Chicago, Illinois, including the Howlin' Wolf Club. He was friends with many notable musicians, including Muddy Waters, Little Walter, and Sonny Boy Williamson II, and he was a mentor to younger musicians like Stevie Ray Vaughan and Johnny Winter.

Legacy

Howlin' Wolf's legacy is immense, and he is widely regarded as one of the most influential musicians of the 20th century. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1991 and the Blues Hall of Fame in 1980, and he has won numerous awards, including multiple Grammy Awards and Blues Music Awards. Howlin' Wolf's music has been featured in several films and television shows, including The Blues Brothers, Cadillac Records, and The Sopranos, and he has been named as an influence by musicians like Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, and Eric Clapton. Howlin' Wolf's unique style and sound continue to inspire new generations of musicians, and his music remains popular to this day, with many of his songs, such as Killing Floor and Spoonful, remaining blues standards. Category:American blues musicians