Blues Artist of the Week - Howlin Wolf

Our focused artist started in the South and made his way up north to Chicago. Chester Arthur Burnett, better known as Howlin Wolf  (1910-1976), was born in East Point, Mississippi.

 Howlin’ Wolf was a Chicago blues singer, guitarist, and harmonica player. Originally from Mississippi, he moved to Chicago in adulthood. Although considered a rival of Muddy Waters, the two teamed up to transform Chicago into a mecca for electric blues from the traditional Mississippi delta acoustic style.  

 Howlin Wolf was known for his booming voice, aggressive stage presence, and imposing physical stature and Muddy Waters, he is considered one of Chicago’s best-known blues artist.  

 Howlin significantly influenced The Rolling Stones, who covered Little Red Rooster (written by arranger and songwriter Willie Dixon but first recorded by Howlin). 

Ronnie Wood of the Rolling Stones is quoted as saying, “the pioneers of American blues were “dangerous men”, it was widely regarded that he was referring to Howlin Wolf.

 Howlin Wolf’s most famous song and the similarly titled album is Moanin at Midnight, released in 1951. 

His other well-known songs included “Smokestack Lightnin’,” “Dog Me Around,” and “Killing Floor.” Howlin’

 Wolf was inducted into both the Blues Hall of Fame (1980) and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (1991).

 Two albums to start with Howlin Wolf – Howlin Wolf (1962) and Moanin’ in the Moonlight.

Also, another great resource on Howlin Wolf is the Biography Moanin’ At Midnight: The Life and Times of HOwlin’ Wolf….. Good biography to add to your Blues collection.