Talk with Howlin' Wolf

Howlin' Wolf, born Chester Arthur Burnett on June 10, 1910, in White Station, Mississippi, is one of the most iconic and influential blues musicians in the history of American music. His stage name "Howlin' Wolf" stands as a testament to his powerful, distinctive voice, characterized by its deep, gravelly tone and his ability to howl like a wolf, making him an unforgettable figure in the blues genre.

Wolf was a giant in physical stature and in his contribution to the blues. He began his career in the 1930s and 1940s by performing in the South, and by the early 1950s, he had moved to Chicago, which became the new hub for the Electric Blues movement. In Chicago, he started recording with Chess Records, where he produced some of his most famous work, including tracks like "Smokestack Lightnin'," "Spoonful," "Killing Floor," and "Red Rooster," which have been widely covered by other artists and exerted a significant influence on the development of rock music.

Wolf's style was characterized not only by his voice but also by his harmonica playing and his commanding stage presence. He was a masterful band leader and acknowledged the importance of having great musicians in his band, which at times included legendary figures like guitarist Hubert Sumlin.

His influence extends far beyond the blues and has permeated the realms of rock and roll, with artists like The Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin, and Eric Clapton citing him as a major influence. Wolf's music and persona embodied the blues' raw emotion and energy, making a lasting impact that has transcended generations.

Wolf passed away on January 10, 1976, but his music continues to live on, inspiring countless musicians and captivating audiences around the world. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1991, further cementing his legacy as a titan of blues music.

Howlin' Wolf, with his larger-than-life persona and powerful musical delivery, had a profound impact on younger generations of musicians, particularly in the genres of blues, rock, and heavy metal. His influence stretched beyond just vocal techniques or harmonica skills; it also encapsulated his emotional depth, stage presence, and the raw energy he brought to performances. Musicians who cited Howlin' Wolf as a significant influence include some of the biggest names in rock and blues:

1. The Rolling Stones - Mick Jagger and Keith Richards were hugely influenced by Howlin' Wolf. The Stones even invited him to appear on the TV show "Shindig!" in 1965, a major moment for British audiences who were otherwise largely unfamiliar with authentic Chicago blues.

2. Eric Clapton - Clapton has frequently spoken of his admiration for Howlin' Wolf, and his influence is evident in Clapton's blues interpretations and his emphasis on emotive vocal and guitar expressions.

3. Led Zeppelin - Jimmy Page and Robert Plant were inspired by the raw power of Howlin' Wolf's music. Led Zeppelin’s early blues-based compositions bear testament to this influence, and they even covered Howlin' Wolf songs like “How Many More Times,” which borrows from Wolf’s “How Many More Years.”

4. Captain Beefheart - With a raw, powerful style that derived directly from blues music, Captain Beefheart (Don Van Vliet) drew extensively from Howlin' Wolf’s vocal stylings and stage persona.

5. Sam Lay - While not as internationally well-known as some rock icons, drummer Sam Lay, who actually played in Howlin' Wolf's band, absorbed and then forwarded Wolf’s rhythmic intensity and unique style through his own performances and recordings.

His effect on music wasn't just through style and performance—his approach to music also informed attitudes about authenticity, the emotional expressiveness of music, and the fusion of traditional blues elements with modern rock and roll. This comprehensive influence helped shape the musical landscape of the late 20th century and continues to reverberate today.

Howlin' Wolf's physical stature had a significant impact on his stage presence, making him one of the most memorable and commanding figures in blues music. Standing 6 feet 3 inches tall and weighing around 275 pounds, he was an imposing figure. His size contributed to his ability to dominate a stage physically and helped him in projecting a powerful and intense persona.

Moreover, Howlin’ Wolf used his physicality to his advantage by incorporating intense and sometimes aggressive actions into his performances, such as crawling, howling, and showing raw emotional expression, which mesmerized audiences and intensified the emotional impact of his music. His large frame also gave his voice a naturally deep and resonant quality, enhancing his vocal delivery's effect.

Wolf's physical presence combined with his energetic and passionate performance style made his shows unforgettable and helped establish his reputation as a thrilling live performer. This presence, along with his musical skills, contributed significantly to his success and enduring legacy in the blues genre.

Howlin' Wolf's lyrics often delved into classic blues themes, such as love, heartbreak, struggle, and redemption. His music vividly portrayed raw emotions and real-life experiences, often conveying deep personal and universal human feelings. Some recurring themes in his songs include:

1. Relationships and Betrayal: Many of Howlin’ Wolf’s songs talk about tumultuous relationships and the pain of betrayal. Songs like "Back Door Man" and "I Asked for Water (She Gave Me Gasoline)" explore themes of infidelity and unrequited love.

2. Hardship and Struggle: Reflecting the toughness of life, especially in the African American experience during his time, songs like "Smokestack Lightnin'" and "How Many More Years" address personal and socioeconomic hardships.

3. Power and Confidence: Howlin' Wolf often exhibited a sense of strong self-assuredness and assertiveness in his music. Tracks like "Built for Comfort" not only demonstrate his own self-image but also convey a broader message of self-acceptance and pride.

4. Supernatural and Mysticism: Elements of the supernatural can also be found in his work, likely influenced by the folklore of the African American South. Songs such as "Moanin’ at Midnight" and "Evil" incorporate themes of mysticism and otherworldly experiences.

5. Survival and Resilience: His music also echoes resilience, an enduring spirit to overcome adversity. This is evident in his powerful vocal delivery and commanding presence in songs, reinforcing the message that despite challenges, one can endure and keep moving forward.

Overall, Howlin' Wolf's lyrics not only reflect the personal woes and joys of a blues man but also serve as a broader commentary on the human condition, particularly within the socio-cultural contexts of his time.

Howlin' Wolf, known for his deep, gravelly voice and powerful presence, has several iconic songs that have made significant impacts in the blues genre and beyond. Some of his most notable tracks include:

1. "Smokestack Lightning" - Perhaps one of his most famous songs, characterized by its mesmerizing guitar riff and haunting vocal delivery. It has been widely covered and influential across various music genres.

2. "Spoonful" - Written by Willie Dixon but indelibly associated with Howlin' Wolf, this song's powerful lyrics and dynamic delivery make it a staple of Chicago blues.

3. "The Red Rooster" (also known as "Little Red Rooster") - Another Willie Dixon composition that became a blues standard due to Howlin’ Wolf’s unique interpretation.

4. "How Many More Years" - With its compelling rhythm and vocal prowess, this track was one of his first hits and remains a classic in the blues repertoire.

5. "Killing Floor" - This song features some of Wolf's most intense vocal performances and has been widely influential, covered by artists across various music genres.

6. "Moanin' at Midnight" - One of his earliest recordings, this song showcases his signature moaning vocal style and deep emotional expression.

7. "I Asked for Water (She Gave Me Gasoline)" - A blues classic that features Wolf’s deep, growling voice and stark, evocative lyrics.

These songs highlight Howlin' Wolf’s profound impact on the blues and popular music, with his work influencing a broad array of artists and enduring in popularity over the decades.

Howlin' Wolf, whose real name was Chester Arthur Burnett, had a significant recording career that notably involved relationships with several producers and record labels, most prominently with Chess Records. His time at Chess Records, a label crucial to the development of blues music, was particularly influential in shaping his career. At Chess, he worked closely with the label's co-founder, Leonard Chess, as well as with Willie Dixon, a prolific songwriter and producer. Dixon wrote several songs that Wolf successfully recorded, including classics like "Spoonful," "Back Door Man," and "Wang Dang Doodle."

Wolf's relationship with Leonard Chess and Willie Dixon was generally positive, benefiting from their interest in promoting his unique style. Leonard Chess was known for his direct involvement in the production of the music and was instrumental in ensuring the recording quality matched the intensity of Wolf’s performances. However, like many artists of his time, Howlin' Wolf may have had moments of disagreement or conflict regarding the management of his recordings and the financial aspects of his contracts. Despite this, he remained with Chess Records from the early 1950s until the label's decline in the late 1960s.

Wolf was known for his strong personality and insistence on professionalism, which helped him navigate the often-complex music industry dynamics. He took pride in paying his band members well and managing his finances responsibly, which was somewhat rare among blues musicians, who were often taken advantage of by record companies.

Overall, while specific details about day-to-day interactions and contracts may not be thoroughly documented, it is clear that Howlin' Wolf's relationships with his record labels and producers were relatively stable and fruitful, helping him to achieve considerable success during his career.

Determining the "best" Howlin' Wolf song can vary based on personal opinion and taste. However, some of his most iconic and influential songs include:

1. "Smokestack Lightning" - Known for its distinctive guitar riff and haunting harmonica, this song is a staple of blues music and has been covered by numerous artists across various genres.
2. "Spoonful" - Written by Willie Dixon and performed by Howlin' Wolf, this song has become a blues standard. Its powerful lyrics about desire and need resonate with a wide audience.
3. "Killing Floor" - Another classic track, "Killing Floor" has been influential in both blues and rock music, with its compelling lyrics and strong rhythm.
4. "The Red Rooster" (also known as "Little Red Rooster") - This song showcases Howlin' Wolf’s unique vocal style and ability to convey emotion, making it a favorite among fans.

These songs exemplify Howlin' Wolf's deep, raspy voice and his ability to convey the depth of human emotion through music. Each fan might have a different favorite, depending on what aspect of his music speaks to them the most.

"The Red Rooster," also known as "Little Red Rooster," was written by Willie Dixon. Howlin' Wolf, whose real name was Chester Arthur Burnett, recorded it and released it as a single in 1961. This song is one of the classic examples of Chicago electric blues and has been covered by various artists, contributing significantly to Howlin' Wolf's fame and legacy in the blues genre.

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