Howlin' Wolf

Chester Arthur Burnett (June 10, 1910 – January 10, 1976), better known as Howlin' Wolf, was an African American blues singer, songwriter, guitarist and harmonica player.

Early life

Born in White Station near West Point, Mississippi, he was nicknamed "Big Foot" and "Bull Cow" in his early years, and he explained the origin of the name "Howlin' Wolf" thus: "I got that from my grandfather, he used to tell me stories about the wolves in that part of the country." As a youth he listened to Charley Patton, who taught him the rudiments of guitar, as well as to the Mississippi Sheiks, Tommy Johnson and Jimmie Rodgers, whose famous "blue yodel" Burnett integrated into his singing style. His harmonica playing was modelled on that of Rice Miller (Sonny Boy Williamson).

Related Topics:
White Station - West Point, Mississippi - Charley Patton - The Mississippi Sheiks - Tommy Johnson - Jimmie Rodgers - Sonny Boy Williamson

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He farmed during the 1930s, served in the United States Army, and by 1948 had formed a band which included guitarists Willie Johnson and M. T. Murphy, harmonica-player Junior Parker, a pianist named Destruction, and drummer Willie Steele. He began broadcasting in West Memphis, Arkansas, and auditioned for Sam Phillips' Memphis Recording Service in 1951.

Related Topics:
1930s - United States Army - Willie Johnson - Junior Parker - West Memphis, Arkansas - Sam Phillips - 1951

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