Howlin’ Wolf: The Raw Power of the Blues
Chester Arthur Burnett, better known as Howlin’ Wolf, was a towering figure in the history of blues music. Born on June 10, 1910, in White Station, Mississippi, Howlin’ Wolf’s powerful voice and unique style helped shape the sound of the genre and its evolution into rock and roll. With his commanding stage presence and a voice that could rattle the windows, Howlin’ Wolf was not just a musician; he was a force of nature.
Early Life and Influences
Howlin’ Wolf’s early life was marked by hardship. Raised in the Mississippi Delta, he faced difficult circumstances from the start. His father abandoned the family, leaving him and his mother to fend for themselves. He was often under the harsh rule of his stepfather, which created tension in his youth. It was during this time that he began listening to and developing an affinity for music.
Inspired by the sounds of local bluesmen like Sonny Boy Williamson and Charley Patton, Howlin’ Wolf started performing in his teenage years. He was drawn to the deep, emotive qualities of the blues, and his early influences shaped the development of his sound. His music would later reflect a fusion of traditional Delta blues and more urban Chicago blues.
The Birth of the “Howlin’” Sound
Howlin’ Wolf’s deep, gravelly voice was his most distinctive feature. It was a voice that sounded like it had been carved from the earth itself, full of raw emotion and power. His moniker, “Howlin’ Wolf,” came from his tendency to let out primal, wolf-like howls while performing, a vocal technique that became one of his trademarks.
One of the most significant events in Howlin’ Wolf’s life came in the early 1950s when he moved to Chicago, the epicenter of the electric blues movement. There, he began recording for Chess Records, home to many of the genre’s biggest names, including Muddy Waters and Little Walter. It was with Chess that Howlin’ Wolf’s career reached new heights.
A Catalogue of Blues Classics
Howlin’ Wolf’s discography is filled with some of the most iconic songs in blues history. His early hits, such as “Smokestack Lightning” (1956), “Spoonful” (1960), and “Little Red Rooster” (1961), became standards in the blues genre. His music was both hypnotic and intense, blending a mix of raw emotion and electric guitar riffs that would go on to influence countless artists in various genres, from rock to pop.
“Smokestack Lightning,” one of his most famous songs, became a defining moment in the development of Chicago blues. Its eerie, repetitive guitar riff and howling vocals created a menacing, almost otherworldly atmosphere, setting it apart from anything else on the scene. Likewise, “Spoonful,” written by Willie Dixon, was a slow-burning blues masterpiece that showcased Howlin’ Wolf’s ability to create deep emotional resonance through his voice and instrumentation.
The Rivalry with Muddy Waters
While Howlin’ Wolf and Muddy Waters were both leaders in the Chicago blues scene, their rivalry was a defining feature of the 1950s blues era. Both artists were highly influential, but they had very different approaches to the genre. Waters was known for his smoother, more sophisticated sound, while Howlin’ Wolf’s style was rougher and more primal. Despite their differences, both men were heavily respected and played pivotal roles in bringing the blues to a wider audience.
Their rivalry extended beyond music, with both men vying for dominance in the Chicago blues scene. However, despite the competitive tension, the two artists held a mutual respect for each other’s talents. It wasn’t unusual for them to share the stage, each bringing their distinct sound to the performance.
Legacy and Influence
Howlin’ Wolf’s influence went far beyond the blues. His raw sound and emotional depth made him an icon in rock and roll, and his work inspired artists like The Rolling Stones, Eric Clapton, and Jimi Hendrix. The Stones, in particular, were huge admirers of Howlin’ Wolf’s work, and the band’s name itself was taken from a line in one of his songs, “Rolling Stone.”
Howlin’ Wolf’s contribution to music was cemented in 1970 when he was inducted into the Blues Foundation Hall of Fame and posthumously into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1991. His music continues to influence artists across genres, and his voice remains one of the most distinctive in the history of blues.
Personal Struggles and Final Years
Howlin’ Wolf’s personal life was marked by struggles, including a turbulent relationship with his wife, Lillie Burnett, as well as his battle with health issues. Despite these challenges, he continued to perform and record music up until his death. Howlin’ Wolf passed away on January 10, 1976, at the age of 65, leaving behind a legacy that would forever change the course of popular music.
Conclusion
Howlin’ Wolf was a blues pioneer whose music transcended the boundaries of the genre. His raw, guttural voice, electrifying performances, and ability to connect with audiences on a primal level made him one of the most important and influential figures in music history. His music still speaks to the soul, and his legacy as one of the true greats of blues remains untouchable. Whether through his gritty howl or his timeless songs, Howlin’ Wolf’s impact on music is profound, and his spirit continues to live on in the sounds of modern blues and rock.
