Howlin’ Wolf

Date of Birth: June 10, 1910

Zodiac Sign: Gemini

Date of Death: January 10, 1976

Biography

Chester Arthur Burnett, better known by his stage name Howlin’ Wolf, was an iconic American blues singer, guitarist, and harmonica player. Born on June 10, 1910, in White Station, Mississippi, Howlin’ Wolf became one of the most influential blues musicians of the 20th century. His deep, gravelly voice and imposing physical presence made him a standout performer in the Chicago blues scene of the 1950s and 1960s. Howlin’ Wolf began his career in the Mississippi Delta, where he was influenced by legendary blues musicians such as Charley Patton and Sonny Boy Williamson II. After World War II, he moved to West Memphis, Arkansas, where he began recording for Sam Phillips at Sun Records. His early hits like “Moanin’ at Midnight” and “How Many More Years” quickly established him as a major force in blues music. In 1953, Howlin’ Wolf moved to Chicago and signed with Chess Records, where he would record some of his most famous songs, including “Smokestack Lightnin’,” “Spoonful,” and “Killing Floor.” His powerful stage presence and unique vocal style earned him a devoted following and influenced numerous rock and blues musicians, including the Rolling Stones and Eric Clapton. Howlin’ Wolf continued to perform and record throughout the 1960s and 1970s, despite health issues. He passed away on January 10, 1976, but his legacy lives on through his music, which continues to inspire new generations of blues and rock artists.

5 Interesting Facts about Howlin’ Wolf

1. Howlin’ Wolf was 6 feet 3 inches tall and weighed close to 300 pounds, making him an imposing figure on stage.

2. His real name was Chester Arthur Burnett, named after the 21st President of the United States, Chester A. Arthur.

3. He learned to play the guitar from Delta blues legend Charley Patton and the harmonica from Sonny Boy Williamson II.

4. The Rolling Stones were such big fans of Howlin’ Wolf that they insisted he perform on their first appearance on the TV show “Shindig!” in 1965.

5. Howlin’ Wolf had a tumultuous relationship with fellow bluesman Muddy Waters, which was characterized by both rivalry and mutual respect.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Howlin’ Wolf

1. “I couldn’t do no yodelin’, so I turned to howlin’. And it’s done me just fine.”

2. “I am the wolf. You all know the wolf.”

3. “I don’t want no woman that don’t want me.”

4. “You can’t make your wife be a bad girl. She’s got to be bad on her own.”

5. “I’m the wolf that gets the red riding hood.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the peak of his career, Howlin’ Wolf’s net worth was estimated to be around $500,000. Adjusted for inflation, this would be approximately $2.3 million today.

Children

Howlin’ Wolf had two daughters, Bettye Jean Burnett and Barbara Marks. Throughout his life, he maintained a close relationship with his family despite the challenges of his demanding career.