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.
How Many More Years?
Howlin' Wolf Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Have I got to let you dog me around
How many more years?
Does I got to let you dog me around
I'd soon rather be dead
Sleeping six feet in the ground
I'm gonna fall on my knees
I'm gonna fall on my knees
I'm gonna raise up my right hand
Said, I'd feel much better, darlin'
If you'd just only understand
I'm goin' upstairs
I'm gonna bring back down my clothes
I'm goin' upstairs
I'm gonna bring back down my clothes, get them all
If anybody ask about me
Just tell 'em I walked out on
you all
The song How Many More Years by Howlin' Wolf is a classic blues song that discusses the turmoil of a troubled relationship. The opening lines, "How many more years? Have I got to let you dog me around?" suggest that the singer is tired of being mistreated and wants out of the relationship. The use of the word "dog" is interesting as it has a double meaning, both referring to being treated badly (like a dog) as well as referencing the animalistic nature of the relationship. The repeated question of "How many more years?" emphasizes the singer's desperation for change and escape from the abuse they have suffered.
The second verse continues this theme, with the singer indicating that death would be preferable to continuing to be treated poorly. However, the next two lines suggest a glimmer of hope as the singer states that they will beg for understanding from their partner. The final verse indicates the singer's intention to leave the relationship, with the singer going to retrieve their clothing and telling anyone who asks to say they have walked out.
Line by Line Meaning
How many more years?
How much longer do I have to suffer under your mistreatment?
Have I got to let you dog me around
Do I really have to continue enduring your oppressive behavior?
How many more years?
How much longer do I have to endure this misery and torment?
Does I got to let you dog me around
Must I allow you to continue controlling and manipulating me?
I'd soon rather be dead
Sleeping six feet in the ground
I would rather die and be buried than continue living under your oppression and abuse.
I'm gonna fall on my knees
I will humbly plead for mercy.
I'm gonna raise up my right hand
I will swear an oath or make a solemn promise.
Said, I'd feel much better, darlin'
If you'd just only understand
I would find great relief and comfort if you could only empathize with my situation.
I'm goin' upstairs
I am leaving and going away from this situation.
I'm gonna bring back down my clothes, get them all
I am taking all my belongings and leaving for good.
If anybody ask about me
Just tell 'em I walked out on
If anyone asks where I went, just tell them I have left and will not be coming back.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: CHESTER BURNETT
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@markschuler7124
Perhaps I´m wrong, but it seems to me that later generations have forgotten all about the legacy of African American blues musicians and their phenomenal music. The song writing and the performance talents are astounding. It is a genre that we are losing as a nation and culture. Performers like Wolf, Muddy, Sonny Boy, Hooker, Magic Sam, Jimmy Reed and many others. Every generation develops or chooses its own art forms, I recognize that, but it is a shame that it is done in a way that relegates this music to the forgotten file. Wolf is my favorite of all of them. If you have not listened to "The London Howlin Wolf Session", I would suggest you give it a try.
@xeneizedt2031
El blues no muere amigo.🇦🇷
@khaledkratos1617
Don’t you worry tough, I was born 1994 in Morocco/North Africa, and I listen and play even older stuff like (sun house and Robert Johnson), I was introduced by my father to rock’n’roll and then to the Blues and I’m hoocked to this shit ever since lol
@TheExodus30
I've NEVER seen or heard anybody play the harmonica like this man. What I love is when he's playing, he's rocking with it!!!
@Slo-ryde
And Blues is the only type of music that can only be sung in English….. unlike other forms of music you will be hard pressed to hear Blues sung in a different language!
@TheExodus30
He works that Thang right?
@madisonhands257
"Any time you thinkin' evil you thinkin' 'bout the blues"
Shivers
@TheGrouchDnD
No lies detected
@swampgravy1776
What a pinko, I mean, implying that being poor, hungry, and legally regarded as 3/5's of a human being could possibly make you do "evil" things to survive. Also, might it be true that there's such a wealth of understanding, compassion, and survivor's anger in the raw beauty of Wolf's voice that it scares the crap out of politicians?
@Canibal_Animal
Wolf didn't play harp often, but when he did, he tried to blow the insides out of it. What a talented dude.