Remembering Blues Legend Howlin’ Wolf

Black Music Sunday is a weekly series celebrating Black music, featuring over 295 stories about performers, genres, and history. Each installment includes a soundtrack of vibrant tunes, both familiar and potentially new.

Howlin’ Wolf: A Blues Giant

This week’s Black Music Sunday focuses on the late Chester Arthur Burnett, better known as Howlin’ Wolf, in recognition of the anniversary of his death. Born in Mississippi on June 10, 1910, and passing away on January 10, 1976, Wolf was a powerful performer whose contributions to the blues and rock and roll were significant.

Early Life and Musical Beginnings

Howlin’ Wolf learned guitar from Charley Patton and, after a challenging childhood marked by abuse, began his musical journey. He recorded his first hit, “Moanin’ at Midnight,” with Sam Phillips at age forty-one. His time with Chess Records produced iconic tracks like “Smokestack Lightnin’,” “Spoonful,” and “The Red Rooster,” which profoundly influenced artists such as The Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin, Cream, and The Doors. A memorable 1965 appearance on Shindig! saw The Rolling Stones gathered at his feet in admiration.

Sam Phillips’ High Regard

Sam Phillips, the founder of Sun Records, considered Howlin’ Wolf his most profound artist. Phillips expressed a desire to record with Wolf until one of them passed, a sentiment he considered more significant than losing Elvis Presley to a larger label.

A Unique Musical Voice

Howlin’ Wolf’s music emerged from the hardships of the Mississippi Delta, shaped by his religious mother’s disapproval of the blues and the pervasive racism of the era. He, along with artists like Muddy Waters, helped popularize blues music for both Black and white audiences.

A Lasting Love Story

Howlin’ Wolf’s wife, Lillie Burnett, passed away in 2001, marking the end of a remarkable love story. Lillie, who worked in a hospital dietary department, initially resisted Wolf’s advances but later became his devoted wife and manager. She encouraged him to pursue education and provided a stable home life. Wolf often referred to her as the great love of his life.

Notable Songs

Several of Howlin’ Wolf’s most celebrated songs include “Smokestack Lightning,” “Little Red Rooster,” and “Killing Floor.” “Smokestack Lightning” features footage from the film Cadillac Records, which chronicles the story of Chess Records founder Leonard Chess.

Listeners are encouraged to share their favorite Howlin’ Wolf songs in the comments section, along with any information about musician birthdays or anniversaries.