Howlin' Wolf

The Profile

Chester Arthur Burnett (Howlin’ Wolf) was an American blues singer, guitarist and harmonica player from Mississippi. Mentored by Charley Patton and Sonny Boy Williamson II, he recorded for Chess Records from the early 1950s, shaping Chicago blues with classics like Smokestack Lightnin’, Spoonful, Little Red Rooster and Back Door Man. His powerful voice and work with Willie Dixon and guitarist Hubert Sumlin deeply influenced British and American rock. He died in 1976.

Key Chess Records artist; frequent collaborator with Willie Dixon and Hubert Sumlin; influential on the Rolling Stones, Cream, the Doors and Led Zeppelin; recorded The London Howlin’ Wolf Sessions with Eric Clapton, Steve Winwood, Charlie Watts and Bill Wyman.

Reviews praise Howlin’ Wolf’s landmark Chess era: Moanin’ in the Moonlight and the Rockin’ Chair Album. The London Howlin’ Wolf Sessions gets rich storytelling and kudos for its lineup. The 1969 psychedelic makeover (“The Howlin’ Wolf Album”) is criticized for losing the original vibe. Mentors (Charley Patton, Sonny Boy Williamson II) and key partners (Willie Dixon, Hubert Sumlin) are highlighted. Influence on British rock is repeatedly underlined.