Biographical Overview & Key Facts

Subject:

Howlin' Wolf

Role / Field:

Pioneering blues artist who electrified Delta sounds in Chicago.

Born:

1910-06-10

Died:

1976-01-10

Century / Era:

1910s Historical Era

Database Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

Origins & Early Life

Chester Arthur Burnett (June 10, 1910 – January 10, 1976), better known by his stage name Howlin' Wolf, was an American blues singer, guitarist and harmonica player. He was at the forefront of transforming acoustic Delta blues into electric Chicago blues, and over a four-decade career, recorded blues, rhythm and blues, rock and roll, and psychedelic rock. He is regarded as one of the most influential blues musicians ever. Born into poverty in Mississippi, Burnett became a protégé of Delta blues musician Charley Patton in the 1930s.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

In the Deep South, he began a solo career by performing with other notable blues musicians of the day. By the end of the decade, he had established himself in the Mississippi Delta. Following a number of legal issues, a stint in prison, and Army service, he was recruited by A&R man Ike Turner to record for producer Sam Phillips in Memphis. His first record "Moanin' at Midnight" (1951) led to a record deal with Chess Records in Chicago. Between 1951 and 1969, six of his songs reached the Billboard R&B chart.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

His studio albums include Howlin' Wolf a.k.a. The Rocking Chair Album, a collection of singles from 1957 to 1961, The Howlin' Wolf Album (1969), Message...

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

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• Alessandro Algardi — Shared historical date (06-10 · Died) (1654): Master of High-Baroque Sculpture, renowned for his portrait busts in Rome.
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• Al-Mustansir Billah — Shared historical date (01-10 · Died) (1094): Eighth Fatimid Caliph, whose long reign marked the twilight of the dynasty.
• Barbara Hepworth — Shared historical date (01-10 · Born) (1903): Pioneering English Modernist sculptor, celebrated for her abstract forms and connection to St Ives.
• 1910 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1910
• June 10 (06-10) On This Day — Historical birthdays and events on June 10
• 1976 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1976
• January 10 (01-10) On This Day — Historical events and memorials on January 10

Frequently Asked Questions about Howlin' Wolf