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Barnstormers, Prophets & Gatemouth Gator: The Life and Times of Howlin' Wolf

Tom Hayes

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Howlin' Wolf Playing Guitar Off Main Street: Barnstormers Prophets Gatemouth S Gator: Essays

Off Main Street: Barnstormers, Prophets & Gatemouth's Gator: Essays

by Michael Perry

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1631 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
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Print length	:	304 pages

Howlin' Wolf was one of the most influential and charismatic figures in blues history. His powerful vocals, raw guitar playing, and larger-than-life personality made him a legend in his own time. In this in-depth biography, author James Segrest explores the life and times of Howlin' Wolf, from his humble beginnings in Mississippi to his rise to fame as one of the most important musicians of the 20th century.

The Early Years

Chester Burnett was born on June 10, 1910, in White Station, Mississippi. He was the seventh of eight children born to sharecroppers Dock and Gertrude Burnett. Chester's early life was marked by poverty and hardship. He began working in the fields at a young age, and he often sang to himself while he worked. It was during these early years that Chester developed his distinctive vocal style, which was characterized by its raw power and intensity.

In 1930, Chester left Mississippi and moved to Memphis, Tennessee. He began playing music on Beale Street, and he soon gained a reputation as one of the city's most talented young blues musicians. In 1941, Chester was discovered by Ike Turner, who helped him to record his first single, "How Many More Years." The song was a hit, and it launched Chester's career as a recording artist.

The Rise to Fame

In the 1950s, Howlin' Wolf signed with Chess Records, and he began to release a series of classic blues albums. Albums such as Moanin' in the Moonlight (1959) and Howlin' Wolf (1966) showcased his powerful vocals, raw guitar playing, and songwriting skills. Howlin' Wolf also became a popular live performer, and he toured extensively throughout the United States and Europe.

In the 1960s, Howlin' Wolf's music began to influence a new generation of musicians, including the Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin, and Eric Clapton. He was inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame in 1980, and he received the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 1991.

The Legacy

Howlin' Wolf died on January 10, 1976, at the age of 65. He left behind a legacy of music that continues to inspire and influence musicians and fans around the world. Howlin' Wolf was a true pioneer of the blues, and his music is a testament to the power and passion of this great American art form.