Who Is Howlin' Wolf? Age, Biography and Wiki
Howlin' Wolf, born on June 10, 1910, was a pivotal figure in the blues music genre. Renowned for his deep, gravelly voice and commanding stage presence, he became an influential artist in the post-war blues scene. Born Chester Arthur Burnett in West Point, Mississippi, he later moved to Chicago where he gained significant fame. His unique style blended elements of Delta blues and Chicago blues, leading to classic hits such as "Smoke Stack Lightning" and "Killing Floor." Howlin' Wolf passed away in 1976, but his legacy continues to shape music today.
| Occupation | Blues Singer |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | June 10, 1910 |
| Age | 65 Years |
| Birth Place | White Station, Mississippi, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Gemini |
| Country | U.S |
| Date of death | 10 January, 1976 |
| Died Place | Hines, Illinois |
Popularity
Howlin' Wolf's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Howlin' Wolf was known for his tall and imposing stature. Standing at approximately 6 feet 3 inches (190 cm) tall and weighing around 300 pounds (136 kg) during the peak of his career, his physical presence was as impressive as his voice. Despite his size, he conveyed an emotional depth through his performances that resonated with audiences across generations.
In 1951, 19-year-old Ike Turner, who was a freelance talent scout, heard Howlin' Wolf in West Memphis. Turner brought him to record several songs for Sam Phillips at Memphis Recording Service (later renamed Sun Studio) and the Bihari brothers at Modern Records.
Phillips praised his singing, saying, "God, what it would be worth on film to see the fervour in that man's face when he sang. His eyes would light up, you'd see the veins come out on his neck and, buddy, there was nothing on his mind but that song.
He sang with his damn soul." Howlin' Wolf quickly became a local celebrity and began working with a band that included the guitarists Willie Johnson and Pat Hare. Sun Records had not yet been formed, so Phillips licensed his recording to Chess Records.
Howlin' Wolf's first singles were issued by two different record companies in 1951: "Moanin' at Midnight"/"How Many More Years" was released on Chess, while "Riding in the Moonlight"/"Morning at Midnight" and "Passing By Blues"/"Crying at Daybreak" were released on Modern's subsidiary RPM Records.
In December 1951, Leonard Chess was able to secure Howlin' Wolf's contract, and at the urging of Chess, he relocated to Chicago in late 1952.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Howlin' Wolf was married to his longtime partner, Lillie, for many years. Their relationship faced its challenges, much like many famous artists, but they remained together until his death. While there is limited public information regarding his personal life outside of his marriage, Howlin' Wolf was known to be a devoted husband. His family has occasionally shared anecdotes about his dedication to music, art, and life.
He later said that his father was "Ethiopian", while Jones had Choctaw ancestry on her father's side. He was named for Chester A. Arthur, the 21st President of the United States.
The name "Howlin' Wolf" originated from Burnett's maternal grandfather, John Jones; Burnett had been squeezing his grandmother's chicks so hard he was likely to kill them, and his grandfather told him wolves would come and get him.
The blues historian Paul Oliver wrote that Burnett once claimed to have been given his nickname by his idol Jimmie Rodgers.
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of his passing in 1976, Howlin' Wolf's estimated net worth was around $300,000. However, in 2025, the value of his music catalog and overall legacy has significantly increased, with estimates suggesting that he could now be worth millions due to the enduring popularity of blues music and ongoing tributes. Continuous record sales, reissues, and licensing have ensured that his contributions to the genre remain profitable.
After he married Lillie, who was able to manage his professional finances, he was so financially successful that he was able to offer band members not only a decent salary but benefits such as health insurance. This enabled him to hire his pick of available musicians and keep his band one of the best around.
According to his stepdaughters, he was never financially extravagant (for instance, he drove a Pontiac station wagon rather than a more expensive, flashy car).
Career, Business and Investments
Howlin' Wolf's career officially began in the 1930s when he started performing in local clubs and juke joints around Mississippi and Arkansas. His move to Chicago in the 1950s marked a turning point in his career as he recorded for Chess Records, and his distinctive sound earned him a substantial following. Beyond music, Wolf also had a keen interest in investing his earnings wisely, contributing to his family's well-being. His impact on the music industry continues through various projects, including posthumous releases and tribute concerts.
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 of all time.
Social Network
While social media platforms such as Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook didn't exist during Howlin' Wolf's lifetime, his legacy thrives online. In 2025, several fan pages, music groups, and even official accounts dedicated to his music commemorate his artistic contributions. These platforms serve as vital resources for fans and newcomers to the blues genre, curating content that keeps his memory alive.
Burnett was influenced by other popular blues performers of the time, including the Mississippi Sheiks, Blind Lemon Jefferson, Ma Rainey, Lonnie Johnson, Tampa Red, Blind Blake, and Tommy Johnson. Two of the earliest songs he mastered were Jefferson's "Match Box Blues" and Leroy Carr's "How Long, How Long Blues".
The country singer Jimmie Rodgers was also an influence. Burnett tried to emulate Rodgers's "blue yodel" but found that his efforts sounded more like a growl or a howl: "I couldn't do no yodelin', so I turned to howlin'. And it's done me just fine".
His harmonica playing was modeled after that of Sonny Boy Williamson II, who taught him how to play when Burnett moved to Parkin, Arkansas, in 1933.
Education
Howlin' Wolf's formal education background is not extensively documented; however, it is known that he had a profound understanding of music, which he developed through experience rather than traditional schooling. He learned to play the guitar and harmonica from local musicians, and his life experiences shaped the emotional power of his music. His education in the blues was ultimately a testament to his immense talent and charisma.
Burnett was then sent to a tutoring camp in Tacoma, Washington, where he was in charge of decoding communications. Because Burnett was functionally illiterate, having never received formal education, he was repeatedly beaten by the drill instructor for reading and spelling errors.
Soon, he began having uncontrollable shaking fits, dizzy spells, fainting, and also began experiencing mental confusion.
