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.
Decoration Day
Howlin' Wolf Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I'm gonna leave, I'll be back someday
Oh well, I can't stay here, no need in me stayin'
Here's nothin' for me to lose
Woo, woo
Woo, I'm goin' away
Well, I can't stay, 'til you hurt my feelings
I'm going to New Orleans, I'm worried about you
I be so broken hearted, I won't know what to do
So good bye babe, I hate to go
Here's nothin' to lose
In Howlin' Wolf's song "Decoration Day," he expresses his desire to leave and go away due to his negative experiences in his current environment. He states that he has no reason to stay and that there is nothing left for him to lose. This could indicate that he has suffered some kind of loss or rejection, possibly related to a past relationship. However, he leaves with a hopeful tone, promising to return someday.
The chorus, "Woo, woo, woo, I'm goin' away," is repeated several times in the song, emphasizing the singer's intention to leave. He then mentions his worry for someone in New Orleans, who could possibly be his lover. He suggests that he would be heartbroken and wouldn't know what to do without this person. The song ends with a final goodbye and the affirmation that there is nothing to lose.
One interpretation of the song could be that the singer is leaving to find a better place for himself, where he can live a happier and more fulfilling life. The mention of New Orleans could represent a symbol of starting anew or chasing one's dreams. At the same time, the melancholic tone of the lyrics suggests that leaving behind a past lover or hometown could be a painful experience.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm gonna leave you, I'm goin' away
I am departing from you, I shall not be around for a while
I'm gonna leave, I'll be back someday
I am temporarily taking my leave and shall return later
Oh well, I can't stay here, no need in me stayin'
I cannot continue staying, it no longer serves a purpose
Here's nothin' for me to lose
There is nothing left for me to lose by leaving
Woo, woo
An expression of excitement, enthusiasm, or triumph
Woo, I'm goin' away
Yay! I am leaving this place
Well, I can't stay, 'til you hurt my feelings
I cannot continue staying here as you have already hurt my feelings.
I'm goin' away
I am departing from this place
I'm going to New Orleans, I'm worried about you
I am headed to New Orleans, but I am concerned about your state
I be so broken hearted, I won't know what to do
I will be devastated and not sure what action to take
So good bye babe, I hate to go
Farewell my love, I regret having to leave
Here's nothin' to lose
There is nothing left for me to lose by departing.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: WILLIE WILLIAMSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind