Named after the former U.S. President Chester Arthur, Howlin' Wolf was giant man that put on a giant show. His immense presence and unbridled onstage energy took Blues to a new level. He learned guitar by watching Charley Patton and was taught harmonica by Sonny Boy Williamson.
Among his classics: How Many More Years, Smokestack Lightning, I Ain't Superstitious, Sitting on Top of the World, and the Blues anthem Wang Dang Doodle have been rockin' the house for years.
Howlin' Wolf was one of the first to use and electric guitar in Blues performances.
The Wolf moved to West Memphis and became a local favorite in 1948. His timing was perfect. At the urging of Ike Turner, Sam Phillips recorded him for Chess Records. After a move to Chicago in 1953, Wolf hooked up with Willie Dixon. The wildest performer and the most prolific songwriter combined to create the greatest Blues ever recorded.
Wolf served in the Army in WW II.
Howlin' Wolf and Muddy Waters were both stars in Chicago in the late 50's and developed a healthy rivalry. They competed for Willie Dixon's hits and reportedly never shook hands.
The Wolf pounced on the young Rock and Roll audiences with landmark recordings with the cream of British Rock superstars. The London Howlin' Wolf Sessions had the Wolf featured with Mick Jaggar, Eric Clapton, Steve Winwood, Bill Wyman, Charlie Watts, and Ringo Starr. It wasn't a great Blues record, but it re-introduced millions to the Blues.
Heart attacks and kidney problems slowed the Wolf down in the early 1970's but he still continued to perform. There are stories of him going straight to a show from a kidney dialysis machine.
Howlin' Wolf died after surgery January 10th, 1976.
