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.
Oh Red
Howlin' Wolf Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Oh Red, what should I do?
I'm sick an tired of askin' ya to sing them blues
Now Red, let's dance a while
Oh Red, let's dance a while
I'm sick an tired, tellin' ya to hold my hand
Oh Red, let's break 'em down
Oh Red, let's break 'em down
Now Red, you sweet to me
Oh Red, you sweet to me
But I'm sick an tired, tellin ya to hold my hand
Oh Red, we gonna swing a while
Oh Red, we gonna swing a while
I'm sick an tired, tellin' ya to hold my hand
In Howlin' Wolf's song "Oh Red," the singer is asking Red what he should do because he is tired of asking him to sing the blues, an action in which Red could potentially disregard or deny the request, leaving the singer with no resolution. The singer then suggests that they dance, insinuating that dancing will momentarily relieve the stress and tension of the situation. However, the singer is still tired of having to ask Red to hold his hand, which could potentially suggest that Red is either reluctant or unwilling to engage in a deeper connection.
The repetition of "Oh Red, what should I do?" signifies the desperation and helplessness of the singer. He is seeking guidance and support from Red, but he has not received any meaningful response. The shift from asking Red to sing the blues to suggesting they dance represents the singer's attempt to change the situation, to change the relationship he has with Red. In the end, the singer states that he is sick and tired of telling Red to hold his hand, indicating that he is fed up of having to ask for affection. The song, ultimately, blends elements of the blues with a love story, highlighting the frustration and longing that often permeate through both.
Line by Line Meaning
Oh Red, what should I do?
I feel lost and uncertain, can you guide me?
Oh Red, what should I do?
I still feel lost and unsure, can you please advise me?
I'm sick and tired of askin' ya to sing them blues
I'm exhausted from always needing you to perform for me.
Now Red, let's dance a while
I want to enjoy the moment and dance together.
Oh Red, let's dance a while
I feel like we've lost the spark, can we please dance and reconnect?
I'm sick and tired, tellin' ya to hold my hand
I'm tired of always needing your support. Can you take the lead for once?
Oh Red, let's break 'em down
I want to let go of my worries and just have fun.
Oh Red, let's break 'em down
I need a release from the stress and pressure of life. Let's dance and forget our problems.
Now Red, you sweet to me
I appreciate your caring and kindness toward me.
Oh Red, you sweet to me
You are always there for me and I am grateful for your support.
But I'm sick an tired, tellin ya to hold my hand
I feel guilty for always relying on you for emotional support. I want to be more independent.
Oh Red, we gonna swing a while
Let's dance and have fun together.
Oh Red, we gonna swing a while
I want to create memories with you and enjoy the time we have together.
I'm sick and tired, tellin' ya to hold my hand
I want to take charge of my own life and not rely on you for everything.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: CHESTER BURNETT
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
lildouche731
Sweet stuff!
Sliptrail
Thanks, I know a few of the Hamfats´ songs but couldn´t place this one. I´m listening right now and there´s no mistaking the original "Oh Red"! "Red" and "ride" and "bed"... Say no more...Great stuff and interesting mix by Howlin with the jazzy elements still there.
Blakely Keith
this song was recorded at sun studio in Memphis tn even though it say chess records. you can still visit the studio today its awesome!! go where howling wolf recorded!!!!
Shane Wright
Just to be strictly accurate, It wasn't recorded at the Sun studios - Sun didn't exist back then. It was recorded at what became the Sun studios at 706 union, which was the base for the Memphis Recording Service
daddynap
You're welcome!... For Sure "The Wolf" does a great job on this one But definitely puts his mark all over It! :)
Sliptrail
That is true. By the way in Taildragger Wolf says he don´t leave no tracks...but he left plenty great and everlasting ones. No tail can wipe them out!
daddynap
Only Just realised ....Today would have been Wolfs Birthday!...R.I.P big man.....
daddynap
Amen Brother!....I Can't Argue with ya there! ;)
Arjhendrix
oh yes! hope it stays...wisdom@youtube. thank you
Sliptrail
I wonder who is he adressing? The little red rooster or is it perhaps a bottle of wine...Could it be the pianoplayer Billy "Red" Love?