Howlin’ Wolf was born Chester Arthur Burnett (10 June 1910 – 10 January 1976) on a plantation between West Point and Aberdeen, Mississippi. He was exposed to the blues from an early age through such performers as Charley Patton and Willie Brown, who performed at plantation picnics and local juke joints. Wolf got his trademark howl from the “blue yodel” of country singer Jimmie Rodgers, whom he admired. He moved to West Memphis in 1948 and put together a full-time band. Producer Sam Phillips recorded him for Sun Records, and encouraged Wolf’s blues shouter style.

The Wolf moved to Chicago in the 50s and his Chess recordings include “Spoonful”, “Smokestack Lightning” and “Killing Floor”.

Howlin’ Wolf was a major influence on artists like The Rolling Stones and Eric Clapton.

– At 6'3" and 260 lbs, Howlin' Wolf was a commanding presence on-stage.