With a booming voice and looming physical presence, Burnett is commonly ranked among the leading performers in electric blues; musician and critic Cub Koda declared, "no one could match Howlin' Wolf for the singular ability to rock the house down to the foundation while simultaneously scaring its patrons out of its wits." A number of songs written or popularized by Burnett—such as "Smokestack Lightnin'", "Back Door Man", "Killing Floor" and "Spoonful"—have become blues and blues rock standards.
At 6 feet, 6 inches (198 cm) and close to 300 pounds (136 kg), he was an imposing presence with one of the loudest and most memorable voices of all the "classic" 1950s Chicago blues singers. This rough-edged, slightly fearsome musical style is often contrasted with the less crude but still powerful presentation of his contemporary and professional rival, Muddy Waters. Howlin' Wolf, Sonny Boy Williamson (Rice Miller), Little Walter Jacobs, and Muddy Waters are usually regarded in retrospect as the greatest blues artists who recorded for Chess in Chicago. Sam Phillips once remarked, "When I heard Howlin' Wolf, I said, 'This is for me. This is where the soul of man never dies.'" In 2004, Rolling Stone magazine ranked him #51 on their list of the "100 Greatest Artists of All Time".
Burnett died at Hines VA Hospital in Hines, Illinois on January 10, 1976 and was buried in Oak Ridge Cemetery, Hillside, Cook County, Illinois in a plot in Section 18, on the east side of the road. His large gravestone, allegedly purchased by Eric Clapton, has an image of a guitar and harmonica etched into it.
The Howlin' Wolf Memorial Blues Festival is held each year in West Point, Mississippi. Wolf's Juke Joint Jam is another annual Howlin' Wolf tribute festival held in West Point. Some of the artists who have played 'Wolf Jam' include Wolf's lead guitarist Hubert Sumlin, Muddy Waters' back band of Willie "Big Eyes" Smith, Calvin "Fuzz" Jones and "Steady Rollin" Bob Margolin, Willie King, Blind Mississippi Morris, Kenny Brown, Burnside Exploration, etc. The festival is held at the 500-acre (2.0 km2) festival grounds known as Waverly Waters Resort.
A popular music venue in New Orleans, Louisiana was named The Howlin' Wolf when it opened in 1988.
Burnett was portrayed by Eamonn Walker in the 2008 motion picture Cadillac Records.
Built For Comfort
Howlin' Wolf Lyrics
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But the way I'm built, a-don't you call me fat
Because I'm built for comfort, I ain't built for speed
But I got everything all the good girls need
Some folk rip and roar, some folk b'lieve in signs
But if you want me, baby, you got to take your time
Because I'm built for comfort, I ain't built for speed
I ain't got no diamonds, I ain't got no gold
But I do got love to satisfy your soul
Because I'm built for comfort, I ain't built for speed
But I got everything, all you good women need
Howlin' Wolf's song "Built for Comfort" is a song about self-acceptance and confidence. In the first verse, the lyrics address the different body types that exist, some are built one way, and some are built another way, and Wolf acknowledges that he is built for comfort and not for speed. He then warns not to call him fat, as he is content with his body type. The second verse begins with the recognition that some people move quickly and others believe in signs, but Wolf encourages his potential lover to take their time with him. He repeats the chorus, indicating that he has everything all good girls need. The final verse admits that Wolf does not have material things such as diamonds or gold, but he has love and the ability to satisfy a woman's soul.
Overall, the song's message is that everyone is different and built differently, but that does not mean they are any less worthy of love and affection. Wolf embraces his body type, even though it may not conform to societal beauty standards, and values human connection and love over material possessions. The song's themes empower listeners to accept and appreciate themselves for who they are, regardless of how they look.
Line by Line Meaning
Some folk built like this, some folk built like that
Everyone has a different body type and shape
But the way I'm built, a-don't you call me fat
Just because I'm not thin doesn't mean you can call me fat
Because I'm built for comfort, I ain't built for speed
I may not be fast, but I am comfortable and can satisfy your needs
But I got everything all the good girls need
I may not be perfect, but I have everything that a good woman needs
Some folk rip and roar, some folk b'lieve in signs
People have different personalities and beliefs
But if you want me, baby, you got to take your time
If you want to be with me, you have to take your time and appreciate what I have to offer
I ain't got no diamonds, I ain't got no gold
I may not have material wealth, but I have love to offer
But I got everything, all you good women need
I may not be perfect, but I have everything that a good woman needs
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: WILLIE DIXON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind