Howlin’ Wolf, born Chester Arthur Burnett in 1910 in Mississippi, was an American blues singer, guitarist, and harmonica player who became one of the most influential figures in the history of blues music. He began his career as a performer in the 1940s, and quickly gained a reputation for his powerful vocals and raw, unbridled energy on stage.
Howlin’ Wolf’s music was characterized by its intense, soulful vocals and its driving, propulsive rhythms. He was known for his ability to blend traditional blues styles with modern rock and roll influences, and his innovative approach to the blues helped to shape the sound of popular music in the 1950s and beyond.
Some of his most iconic and enduring songs include “Smokestack Lightnin’,” “Spoonful,” and “Back Door Man,” all of which have been covered by countless musicians in the decades since their release.
Howlin’ Wolf’s influence on the world of music is immeasurable, and his legacy continues to inspire and influence musicians of all genres to this day. He will always be remembered as a visionary artist and a trailblazer for the blues, and his music will always hold a special place in the hearts of music lovers around the world.
1. Shake for Me
“Shake for Me” is a classic blues song that was recorded by Howlin’ Wolf in 1962. The song features Wolf’s signature howling vocals and raw, unbridled energy, and it speaks to the power and intensity of the blues. The song’s driving rhythm and infectious chorus make it a standout track on the album, and its enduring popularity is a testament to Wolf’s influence on the world of music. “Shake for Me” is a testament to the power of the blues to uplift and inspire listeners, and it remains a beloved classic of the genre.
2. Moanin’ at Midnight
“Moanin’ at Midnight” is a blues song recorded by Howlin’ Wolf in 1951. The song features a raw, gritty sound, with Wolf’s powerful vocals and a driving rhythm section. The lyrics describe the narrator’s pain and sorrow, with the chorus repeating the phrase “I’m moanin’ at midnight, my heart is full of misery.” The song’s haunting melody and emotional depth made it a classic of the blues genre, and Wolf’s electrifying performance established him as one of the most important and influential blues musicians of all time. “Moanin’ at Midnight” remains a fan favorite and a testament to the enduring power of the blues.
3. Wang-Dang-Doodle
“Wang-Dang-Doodle” is a classic blues song written by Willie Dixon and originally recorded by Howlin’ Wolf in 1960. The song features a lively beat and upbeat lyrics, with a memorable chorus that has become a staple of the blues genre. “Wang-Dang-Doodle” has been covered by numerous artists over the years, including Koko Taylor, who had a hit with her version in 1965. The song’s playful lyrics and infectious energy have made it a fan favorite, with its catchy melody and upbeat vibe continuing to captivate audiences today. “Wang-Dang-Doodle” is a testament to the enduring popularity and influence of the blues, with its timeless sound and unforgettable chorus ensuring its place in music history.
4. Do the Do
“Do the Do” is a classic blues song that was recorded by Howlin’ Wolf in 1961. The song features Wolf’s signature growling vocals and electrifying guitar work, and it speaks to the power and vitality of the blues. The song’s driving rhythm and infectious melody make it a standout track on the album, and its enduring popularity is a testament to Wolf’s influence on the world of music. “Do the Do” is a testament to the timeless appeal of the blues, and it remains a beloved classic of the genre that has inspired countless musicians in the decades since its release.
5. The Red Rooster
“The Red Rooster” is a blues song originally recorded by Willie Dixon in 1961. The song features a driving, uptempo rhythm, with Dixon’s deep, powerful vocals and a prominent harmonica riff. The lyrics describe the narrator’s admiration for a woman, with the chorus repeating the phrase “I am the red rooster, and I crow ‘fore day.” The song’s infectious energy and memorable melody made it a classic of the blues genre, and its influence can be heard in countless blues and rock songs that followed. “The Red Rooster” remains a fan favorite and a testament to the enduring power of the blues.
6. Forty-Four
“Forty-Four” is a classic blues song written and originally performed by blues legend Howlin’ Wolf in 1954. The song features a slow, hypnotic beat and powerful vocals from Wolf, with lyrics that tell the story of a man on the run from the law. “Forty-Four” has become a staple of the blues genre, with its memorable melody and haunting lyrics capturing the spirit of the Delta blues. The song has been covered by numerous artists over the years, including Eric Clapton, who featured a rendition on his acclaimed 1994 album “From the Cradle.” “Forty-Four” remains a timeless classic, showcasing the enduring power and influence of the blues.
7. How Many More Years
“How Many More Years” is a blues song recorded by Howlin’ Wolf in 1951. The song features a driving rhythm, with Wolf’s raw, powerful vocals and a prominent guitar riff. The lyrics describe the narrator’s frustration with his lover’s infidelity, with the chorus repeating the question “How many more years, do I have to let you dog me around?” The song’s infectious groove and Wolf’s electrifying performance made it an instant classic of the blues genre, and its influence can be heard in countless blues and rock songs that followed. “How Many More Years” remains a fan favorite and a testament to the enduring power of the blues.
8. Killing Floor
“Killing Floor” is a classic blues song that was recorded by Howlin’ Wolf in 1964. The song features Wolf’s signature howling vocals and driving, propulsive rhythms, and it speaks to the raw power and intensity of the blues. The song’s distinctive guitar riff and pounding drums make it a standout track on the album, and its enduring popularity is a testament to Wolf’s status as one of the most influential and innovative figures in the history of blues music. “Killing Floor” is a testament to the enduring appeal of the blues, and it remains a beloved classic of the genre that has inspired countless musicians in the decades since its release.
9. Spoonful
“Spoonful” is a classic blues song that was recorded by Howlin’ Wolf in 1960. The song features Wolf’s signature growling vocals and driving, propulsive rhythms, and it speaks to the raw power and intensity of the blues. The song’s distinctive guitar riff and pounding drums make it a standout track on the album, and its enduring popularity is a testament to Wolf’s influence on the world of music. “Spoonful” is a timeless classic of the blues, and it remains a beloved song that has inspired countless musicians in the decades since its release.
10. Smokestack Lightning
“Smokestack Lightning” is a classic blues song that was recorded by Howlin’ Wolf in 1956. The song features Wolf’s signature growling vocals and driving, hypnotic rhythms, and it speaks to the raw power and intensity of the blues. The song’s distinctive guitar riff and pounding drums make it a standout track on the album, and its enduring popularity is a testament to Wolf’s influence on the world of music. “Smokestack Lightning” is a timeless classic of the blues, and it remains a beloved song that has inspired countless musicians in the decades since its release.
Edward Tomlin is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
