Howlin’ Wolf, born Chester Arthur Burnett on June 10, 1910, was an American blues singer, guitarist, and harmonica player. Known for his deep, gritty voice and powerful stage presence, he was one of the most influential and iconic figures in the blues genre. Considered a blues legend, Howlin’ Wolf’s passionate performances continue to inspire musicians to this day.
Biography
| Howlin’ Wolf | |
|---|---|
| Born | Chester Arthur Burnett on June 10, 1910 |
| Died | January 10, 1976 |
| Occupation | American blues singer and guitarist |
| Genre | Blues, rhythm and blues, rock and roll, psychedelic rock |
| Notable Albums | The Howlin’ Wolf Album (1969), Message to the Young (1971), The London Howlin’ Wolf Sessions (1971), The Back Door Wolf (1973) |
| Notable Songs | “Smokestack Lightnin'”, “Killing Floor”, “Spoonful” |
| Awards and Recognitions | Inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame (1980), Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (1991), Grammy Hall of Fame Award for “Smokestack Lightnin'” (1999), Ranked number 54 on Rolling Stone’s “100 Greatest Artists of All Time” list (2011) |
Early Life
Howlin’ Wolf, whose real name was Chester Arthur Burnett, was born on June 10, 1910, in White Station, Mississippi. He was raised on a plantation and had a difficult childhood as his parents separated when he was young. Wolf began his musical journey at a young age, learning to play the harmonica and guitar. As a teenager, he moved to the larger town of West Point, Mississippi, where he worked various jobs and performed at local parties and juke joints. In his early twenties, Howlin’ Wolf made a significant move to Memphis, Tennessee, to pursue his music career further. This relocation marked a crucial turning point in his life, leading to his eventual rise as one of the most influential blues musicians of all time.
Family
| Parent’s Name | Sibling’s Name | Information |
|---|---|---|
| Leonard Chester Burnett (Father) | Hubert Burnett (Brother) | Leonard Chester Burnett was a farmer in White Station, Mississippi. He had a strong influence on Howlin’ Wolf’s music career, teaching him to play the guitar and harmonica. Hubert Burnett was Howlin’ Wolf’s brother, and they grew up together in Mississippi. |
| Gertrude Jones (Mother) | Jodie Jones (Sister) | Gertrude Jones was Howlin’ Wolf’s mother. She was a devoutly religious woman and inspired Wolf’s gospel roots. Jodie Jones was Howlin’ Wolf’s sister, and they had a close relationship as they both shared a love for music. |
Height, Weight, And Other Body Measurements
| Attribute | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Height | 6 ft 3 in (191 cm) |
| Weight | Approx. 260 lbs (118 kg) |
| Chest | 42 in (107 cm) |
| Waist | 38 in (96.5 cm) |
| Hip | 44 in (112 cm) |
Wife/husband / Girlfriend/boyfriend
| Partner | Marriage Date | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Partner’s Name | Marriage Date | Additional Information about the partner |
Here are the details of previous relationships:
- Previous Partner 1: Details of the relationship
- Previous Partner 2: Details of the relationship
- Previous Partner 3: Details of the relationship
Career, Achievements And Controversies
Howlin’ Wolf, born as Chester Arthur Burnett on June 10, 1910, in White Station, Mississippi, became famous as a highly influential blues musician during the mid-20th century. He initially gained recognition for his powerful vocals, distinctive growls, and emotionally charged performances. His stage name, Howlin’ Wolf, was given to him by his producer, who wanted to capitalize on his captivating vocal style.
Howlin’ Wolf’s career took off in the 1950s when he signed with Chess Records. He released numerous successful and influential singles, including “Smokestack Lightning,” “Moanin’ at Midnight,” and “Spoonful.” His deep, gravelly voice and intense delivery made him a standout figure in the blues scene. His music was a fusion of traditional Delta blues with elements of electric blues, R&B, and rock ‘n’ roll, influencing generations of musicians.
Although mainstream accolades were limited during his lifetime, Howlin’ Wolf’s contributions were recognized posthumously. He was inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame in 1980 and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1991, honoring his significant impact on both genres. His songs have also been included in Rolling Stone’s list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.
Despite being a revered artist, Howlin’ Wolf faced a few controversies during his career. One notable dispute arose between him and fellow blues musician Muddy Waters. They engaged in a rivalry, both musically and personally, which intensified their competitive nature. Additionally, there were occasional disagreements with record labels, including disputes over royalties and creative control, as was common among artists during that era.
Faq
Who Was Howlin’ Wolf?
Howlin’ Wolf, born on June 10, 1910, as Chester Arthur Burnett, was an American blues singer, guitarist, and harmonica player. He was one of the most influential and iconic figures in the history of blues music.
What Were Howlin’ Wolf’s Famous Songs?
Howlin’ Wolf had numerous popular songs, some of which include “Smokestack Lightning,” “Spoonful,” “Killing Floor,” “Wang Dang Doodle,” and “Back Door Man.”
What Was Howlin’ Wolf’s Singing Style Like?
Howlin’ Wolf had a deep, powerful, and distinctive voice that set him apart from many other blues singers. His growling vocals and emotional delivery added to the intensity and rawness of his music.
Who Influenced Howlin’ Wolf?
Howlin’ Wolf was influenced by earlier blues musicians such as Charley Patton, Sonny Boy Williamson I, and Robert Johnson. He combined these influences with his own unique style to create a sound that became his trademark.
What Was Howlin’ Wolf’s Impact On Music?
Howlin’ Wolf’s impact on music cannot be overstated. His gruff vocals, powerful stage presence, and distinct guitar playing became a blueprint for future blues and rock artists. He bridged the gap between traditional rural blues and urban electric blues, paving the way for the development of rock and roll.
