Howlin' Wolf

Howlin' Wolf (Chester Burnett, 1910-1976) was an American blues singer, guitarist, harmonica player and composer. He became quite well known in Europe during the 'blues boom' of the 1960s, recording an album with Eric Clapton and the Rolling Stones' rhythm section, Bill Wyman and Charlie Watts. His stage name comes from the trademark 'woo-hoo' howling interjection he used on several of his songs, notably his classic "Smokestack Lightnin'".

He was born Arthur Chester Burnett at White Station, Mississippi, probably somewhere between West Point (Clay County) and Aberdeen (Monroe Country) on June 10, 1910.

He was influenced by Charlie Patton from whom he learnt the rudiments of slide guitar. Sonny Boy Williamson II helped him to learn the mouth organ.

In 1948, he moved to West Memphis, decided to concentrate solely on singing, and formed his own band.