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.
I'll Be Around
Howlin' Wolf Lyrics
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Well, I'll be 'round, no matter what you say
Well, I'll be around, yes, I'll be around
To see what you're puttin' down
You know you told me that you loved me
You know you told me and I hope it's true
Well, I'll be around, yes, I'll be around
You know I called you in the morning
You know I called you, darling
And send you my prayer
But I'll be around, yes, I'll be around
To see what you're puttin' down
You know I loved you for myself
You know I love you, I don't love nobody else
Well, I'll be around, I'll be around
I don't want you runnin' around
The lyrics of Howlin' Wolf's "I'll Be Around" speak of a man who refuses to be pushed away by the woman he loves. He reassures her that he will be around no matter what she says and he wants to see what she's "puttin' down" or what she has to offer. He reminds her that she told him she loves him and he hopes it's true, indicating that there may be some doubt or uncertainty in their relationship. He proclaims his love for her and tells her he doesn't want her to run around with anyone else. Despite any challenges, he remains steadfast in his commitment to be with her.
The song's lyrics are simple but have a powerful message about loyalty and commitment in a relationship. They showcase Howlin' Wolf's signature growling vocals and bluesy guitar riffs, creating a melancholy yet determined mood. This song is a great representation of the Chicago Blues style that Howlin' Wolf helped to pioneer.
Line by Line Meaning
Well, I'll be around to see you, baby
I will be always available to be with you, my dear.
Well, I'll be 'round, no matter what you say
Regardless of what you say, I will always be there for you.
Well, I'll be around, yes, I'll be around
I promise you that I will be with you all the time.
To see what you're puttin' down
To know what you have planned for me.
You know you told me that you loved me
You have already expressed your love for me.
You know you told me and I hope it's true
I hope that you meant what you said when you told me you love me.
You know I called you in the morning
I tried to reach out to you early in the morning.
You know I called you, darling
I called you with affection.
And send you my prayer
I prayed for your well-being.
But I'll be around, yes, I'll be around
I will always be there for you, no matter what happens.
To see what you're puttin' down
To know what you have planned for me.
You know I loved you for myself
I love you because I want you to be mine.
You know I love you, I don't love nobody else
You are the only one I love, and I have no feelings for anyone else.
Well, I'll be around, I'll be around
I promise to always be there for you.
I don't want you runnin' around
I don't want you to be with anyone else.
Contributed by Christian T. Suggest a correction in the comments below.