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.
The Natchez Burnin'
Howlin' Wolf Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
that happened way down in Natchez Mississippi town
Did you ever hear about the burning,
that happened way down in Natchez Mississippi town
Those buildings got to burning, there's my baby layin'on the ground
Charlotte Jones was there, Luiza was there,
Rosie Mae was there, Louise was there
Did you ever hear about the burning,
I stood back, was lookin', and the old building come tumble down
The Natchez Burnin' by Howlin' Wolf is a song about a tragic event that happened in Natchez, Mississippi, where a fire occurred and many buildings burned down. The lyrics suggest that the singer's lover, referred to as "my baby," was among those who perished in the fire. The song goes on to mention other people who were there, including Charlotte Jones, Luiza, Rosie Mae, and Louise, presumably friends or acquaintances of the singer. The chorus repeats the song's main theme, asking if the listener has ever heard about the burning.
The song strikes a mournful, reflective tone, as the singer muses on the tragedy and his own sense of loss. He stands back and watches the buildings burn, powerless to stop the destruction or save his loved one. The imagery of the old building tumbling down further emphasizes the sense of chaos and loss.
Overall, the song captures the emotion and turmoil of a devastating event, while also evoking a sense of community and shared loss. The repeated question, "Did you ever hear about the burning?" suggests that the singer, and perhaps others in the town, are still grappling with the aftermath of the tragedy.
Line by Line Meaning
Did you ever hear about the burning, that happened way down in Natchez Mississippi town
Have you ever been informed about the fire incident which occurred in Natchez Mississippi town?
Those buildings got to burning, there's my baby layin'on the ground
The buildings caught fire, and unfortunately, my infant is lying motionless on the ground.
Charlotte Jones was there, Luiza was there, Rosie Mae was there, Louise was there
In that area, Charlotte Jones, Luiza, Rosie Mae, and Louise were all present.
I stood back, was lookin', and the old building come tumble down
I stood aside and watched as the old building collapsed.
Lyrics © BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC
Written by: WILLIE DIXON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind