Howlin Wolf - Smokestack Lightning

Chester Arthur Burnett (1910-1976) aka Howlin Wolf, was an American blues singer, guitarist, and harmonica player. He was born in White Station, MS near West Point and bounced around living with different family members until age 13 when he joined his father's large family. Nicknames other than Howlin Wolf were Big Foot Chester and Bull Crow both based on his massive size. Unlike many other blues musicians, after he left his impoverished childhood to begin a music career, he was always financially successful. The Wolf was so financially successful that he was not only able to offer his band members a good salary but also health insurance. All of this helped him have his pick of band members, keeping his band one of the best around. He was never extravagant with his money either. It was in 1970 that he was involved in an automobile accident that severely damaged his kidneys. He passed away from complications of kidney disease at the VA Hospital in Hines, IL in 1976. His gravestone was allegedly purchased by Eric Clapton and has engravings of a guitar and a harmonica. This is him performing one of his classic originals, "Smoketack Lightning."

www.howlinwolf.com

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