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've Got A Woman
Howlin' Wolf Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Got my mojo working, but it just won't work on you
I wanna love you so bad till I don't know what to do
I'm going down to Louisiana to get me a mojo hand
I'm going down to Louisiana to get me a mojo hand
I'm gonna have all you women right here at my command
Got my mojo working
Got my mojo working
Got my mojo working
Got my mojo working, but it just won't work on you
Play on!
Got my mojo working
Got my mojo working
Got my mojo working
Got my mojo working
Got my mojo working, but it - uh uh - just won't work on you
The lyrics to Howlin' Wolf's "I've Got A Woman" express the frustration of a man who has lost his power over a woman. The phrase "got my mojo working" refers to a magical or supernatural ability to attract and seduce women. The central theme of the song is the singer's inability to use this power on the woman he desires. He wants to love her so badly, but something is blocking his ability to do so.
He decides to go to Louisiana to get a "mojo hand", a charm or amulet that is believed to enhance magical abilities. With this charm in hand, he hopes to have all women at his command. The chorus repeats the phrase "got my mojo working" several times, highlighting the character's desperation to regain his power and attract the woman he desires.
Line by Line Meaning
Got my mojo working, but it just won't work on you
I have a charm or magical power to attract love, but it doesn't seem to have any effect on you. I desire to love you so deeply that I am at a loss for what to do.
I'm going down to Louisiana to get me a mojo hand
I'm planning a trip to Louisiana to obtain a potent talisman that will enhance my supernatural abilities.
I'm gonna have all you women right here at my command
With the mojo hand, I will possess power over all women and be able to make them do as I please.
Got my mojo working
Restating the magical power or charm that I possess.
Got my mojo working, but it just won't work on you
Once again, reiterating that my mystical powers are ineffective on you specifically.
Play on!
An expression of encouragement, signaling that the music or performance should continue.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@Sabbatius527
The Wolf is gone but he's not forgotten!!!
@camillojimmyfiorito9660
God save the Wolf !
@mpo1107
Love the Wolf.
@TheBohemiaStudios
Far out really dig Wolf.
@Bob_Caygeon
nothin bad to say about toothpaste, adds are what keeps this machine rollin....i just love the music, rarely pay attention to the screen :)
@Bucketheadhead
works with any browser really, and its brilliant
@fuzzface75
you're right.I'll have to take the time to get the addblock.Don't mean to hate on youtube,it's an awesome site.I just have a real problem with commercial adds in every shape and form,when all i want to hear is music.Cheers!!!
@SuperFunkymonkey47
If you have google chrome, you can install adblock, and no more ads. Seriously, don't take it out on youtube. the ads are what keep it free.
@BeorhtFrognostic
Was this recorded in the 1940s?
@bistredehomard2123
1956