West Point, Mississippi was the hometown of Chester Arthur “Howlin’ Wolf” Burnett. He was raised on a cotton plantation and exposed to local folk music. He began singing professionally at an early age and played in small bars all throughout Mississippi in the 1920s and 1930s. Blind Lemon Jefferson, Sonny Boy Williamson, and Charley Patton were three musicians who had an impact on him.
He moved to Arkansas in the 1940s, a state known for its thriving blues scene, and established his own group there with James Cotton and Little Jr. Parker, who went on to become well-known blues musicians in their own right. Howlin’ Wolf accompanied himself on guitar and harmonica, but his primary instrument was his gruff, provocative voice, which gave the strength and authenticity of his music.
He had a cancer discovered in his brain three days prior to passing away. On January 10, 1976, at the age of 65, the tumor, heart failure, and kidney illness all contributed to his demise.
Howlin’ Wolf’s top music
Wolf is one of the most important blues artists of the postwar era. He was instrumental in shifting the Southern blues from its rural, acoustic roots to its electric, Chicago-style counterpart.
Smokestack Lightnin’, I Asked For Water (She Gave Me Gasoline), Sitting On Top Of The World, Spoonfu” and Back Door Man are a few of his most loved songs.
Howlin’ Wolf’s awards
The honorary doctor of arts degree was given to Howlin’ Wolf by Columbia College in Chicago in 1972.
The Grammy Hall of Fame Award was created in 1973 to recognize recordings that are at least 25 years old and have “qualitative or historical value.” A Howlin’ Wolf version of “Smokestack Lightning” was chosen for this honor.
