Chester Arthur Burnett (Howlin’ Wolf) was born on June 10, 1910, in White Station, Mississippi. He was in his early forties when he made his first records for Sam Phillips in Memphis. Phillips later said that Wolf was the most arresting figure he ever saw play music, and that no one could transform themselves more completely than Wolf in the span of two-and-a-half minutes. Wolf is widely considered one the greatest blues singer of the 20th century. Phillips said of his voice, “It’s where the soul of man never dies”.
From a young age, Chester was exposed to music through his mother, who sang in the choir at the Lifeboat Baptist Church. He claimed to have inherited his musical talent from her. His early influences included prominent blues musicians like Charley Patton, who became his mentor, and other artists such as Blind Lemon Jefferson and Jimmie Rodgers. These influences would later shape his unique style and powerful voice Wikipedia
Charismatic Performer
Howlin’ wolf was phenomenal on stage. His hulking six-foot-six frame, and intense glowering stare belied some silky moves. He was taught harmonica by his brother-in-law Rice Miller (Sonny Boy Williamson II) and guitar from his mentor Charlie Patton. And he performed with the best musicians, in large part because he was known to pay well and on time.
Like many prominent blues musicians of his era, Wolf participated festivals like the American Folk Blues Festival. He toured in Europe and the UK in 1964, playing to large appreciative crossover crowds. Yet back in segregated America, blues performed by black musicians was rarely considered 1960’s prime time television or radio material. At that time, teen idols, doo-wop groups, and surf music dominated the Billboard charts. TV was dominated by popular white bands with appearances on American Band Stand,
Where the Action Is, and Shindig.
“Shindig,’ an American musical variety show, debuted September 1964, and ran through January 1966. On May 20, 1965, a relatively new act from England was scheduled to appear, the Rolling Stones. It would be the band’s first appearance on American television
The Rolling Stones had enjoyed a #1 hit in England with their cover of Wolf’s “Little Red Rooster,” The Stones agreed to perform, yet only if Wolf or Muddy Waters were also booked. Wolf was available, and he made the most of it. Many consider his performance of “How Many More Years” as one of the greatest moments in television history. It was also his first performance on a national television broadcast.
Howlin’ Wolf Performs “Little Red Rooster, May 20, 1965, Shindig (TV)
Author Peter Guralnick says “I’ve listed it as one of the Top Ten TV moments of all time, one of the most significant moments in cultural history– part of a wonderful movement that couldn’t be turned back.” Buddy Guy later commented that it “broke through a boundary line that no one thought could be crossed.”
This was clearly new ground for media. Discrimination and racism widely existed in mainstream television in the early 1960’s. Blacks mostly portrayed servant roles and performed racist caricatures. Only a handful of black actors had recurring, supporting roles in other shows.
Early Life Challenges
Howlin’ Wolf’s parents, Gertrude Jones and Leon “Dock” Burnett, separated when he was just a year old, leading to a tumultuous upbringing. He was raised primarily by his mother, who struggled to make ends meet as a street singer, and his stern great-uncle, Will Young, who was known for his harsh treatment of Chester Wikipedia
Chester’s childhood was fraught with difficulties. After being kicked out of his mother’s home for unknown reasons, he lived with his great-uncle, where he faced harsh treatment and a lack of education. At the age of thirteen, after a particularly severe punishment, he ran away and walked 85 miles barefoot to reunite with his father, where he finally found a more supportive environment Wikipedia
Nickname Origin
The nickname “Howlin’ Wolf” originated from a story involving his maternal grandfather, who warned him about wolves coming to get him after Chester had been rough with some chicks. This nickname would later become synonymous with his powerful and distinctive musical persona.