Music and Masons
As part of our Music and Masons series, we are including pages on musicians who were/are Freemasons.
Blues legend Howlin Wolf (real name: Chester Arthur Burnett) was a Freemason; a Masonic Square and Compasses ring is visible on his left hand in many photos of Howlin’ Wolf, including several album cover photos such as the Howlin’ Wolf, Complete RPM & Chess Singles shown at left. We are not currently aware of his Masonic Lodge affiliations (we will do more research on that) but we believe he was a member of a Prince Hall Lodge in Chicago.
We have confirmed Howlin’ Wolf’s Masonic membership in correspondence with James Segrest, author of the Howlin’ Wolf biography Moanin’ At Midnight. Mr. Segrest was unable to provide specific, confirmed details about Howlin’ Wolf’s lodge affiliations so we will research that and update this page with our findings.
Here are some videos of Howlin’ Wolf in concert, some recommended Howlin’ Wolf recordings and a very good biography of Howlin’ Wolf.
Some Howlin’ Wolf Videos
This a 1964 British concert performance of Smokestack Lightning. That’s blues legend Willie Dixon on bass behind Howlin’ Wolf.
This is a 1964 TV show of the American Folk Blues Festival featuring Howlin’ Wolf doing three songs: Shake For Me, I’ll Be Back Someday and Love Me Darlin’
This is a 1965 video of the British TV show, Shindig, episode with Howlin’ Wolf appearing with the Rolling Stones:
Here is an excerpt from the Howlin Wolf Story documentary, listed below:
Some Recommended Howlin’ Wolf Recordings
All of Howlin’ Wolf’s classic recordings on the RPM and Chess labels between 1951 and 1962 are available on this set. Note the Square and Compasses ring visible on Howlin’ Wolf’s left hand in the cover photo:
Available on Amazon.ca; Amazon.com
This is a 1966 release on Chess Records featuring some 1950s recordings along with some 1966 Howlin’ Wolf recordings:
Available on Amazon.ca; Amazon.com
In 1970 Chess Records arranged for several of its artists to record in London with leading British musicians. The London Howlin’ Wolf Sessions features Howlin’ Wolf performing with Eric Clapton, Steve Winwood, Bill Wyman, Charlie Watts and other leading British musicians of the period.
Available on Amazon.ca; Amazon.com
This is an excellent DVD documentary about Howlin’ Wolf:
Available on Amazon.ca; Amazon.com
Recommended Biography of Howlin’ Wolf
Available through Amazon.ca; Amazon.com
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