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.
Change My Way
Howlin' Wolf Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I'm got to change my way of livin', this life I'm livin' ain't no good
I leave home in the morning, don't come back 'til the break of dawn
My baby said that ain't right, I'll admit that is true
My baby said that ain't right, I'll admit that is true
She said daddy, daddy, you got to change the way you do
You know I leave in the mornin', and I don't come back 'til dawn
You know I leaves in the mornin', and I don't come back 'til dawn
Change My Way, a blues song performed and written by Howlin' Wolf, is about the need to change one's ways to improve their life. Howlin' Wolf laments the life he's living, acknowledging that it's not good for him. He recognizes the fact that he leaves home in the morning and doesn't come back until the break of dawn. His baby implores him to change his ways, and she points out how his behavior is affecting their relationship negatively.
The song is an anthem of repentance and change, as the singer recognizes the need to reform his life for a better outcome. The song reflects the harsh reality of the lives of working-class people in the early 20th century, as they struggled to make a living and provide for their families. Howlin' Wolf's gritty and raw voice underscores the emotion of the lyrics, making it a powerful and resonant song.
In conclusion, Change My Way is a compelling and thought-provoking blues song that highlights the need for change in one's life. It's a lament that speaks to the heart of the struggles of working-class people and the desire for a better life.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm got to change my way of livin', this life I'm livin' ain't no good
I need to change the way I live because my current lifestyle is not beneficial.
I leave home in the morning, don't come back 'til the break of dawn
I go out early in the day and return very late at night.
My baby said that ain't right, I'll admit that is true
My partner pointed out that my behavior is not correct, and I agree.
She said daddy, daddy, you got to change the way you do
My partner is urging me to alter my behavior.
You know I leave in the mornin', and I don't come back 'til dawn
I tend to depart early in the day and stay gone until the following morning.
My baby looked me in the eyes, and said daddy, you got to change your evil way
My partner directly addressed me, stating that I need to change my harmful behavior.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: CHESTER BURNETT
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@africlubguy6035
I'm fixin' to change my way after hearing this, lol