Howlin’ Wolf, born Chester Arthur Burnett on June 10, 1910, was intimidatingly massive, a prodigious performer and a defining voice of the Blues. Wolf and his great rival Muddy Waters were the reigning Superstars of the Chicago scene during the ’50’s and ’60’s, and were in constant competition. There is a story of Muddy and Wolf sitting together in a Chicago club, burning money at each other to prove who had more.
Listening to Wolf is to experience incredible emotional intensity and the complete commitment that he brought to the Music. As legendary record producer Sam Phillips said of him, “This is where the Soul of Man never dies”.
Happy Birthday, Mr. Burnett.