The Howlin' Wolf Story - The Secret History of Rock & Roll

The Howlin' Wolf Story - The Secret History of Rock & Roll is a documentary film that pays tribute to blues legend Chester Arthur Burnett, popularly known as Howlin' Wolf. The film, released in 2003, is directed by Don McGlynn and features interviews with Wolf's family, friends, and musical peers.

The documentary delves into the life and career of Howlin' Wolf, who is considered to be one of the pioneers of modern blues. Born in Mississippi in 1910, Wolf grew up in poverty and developed a love for music at a young age. He moved to Memphis in the 1940s and later made his way to Chicago, where he gained widespread recognition for his unique voice and style.

The film features rare footage of Howlin' Wolf performing on stage, as well as archival interviews in which he discusses his influences and musical philosophy. It also showcases the ways in which Wolf's music influenced the development of rock and roll in the 1950s and 1960s.

One of the key themes of the documentary is the relationship between Howlin' Wolf and guitarist Hubert Sumlin. Sumlin, who played with Wolf for over 20 years, is interviewed extensively in the film and provides insight into Wolf's personality and creative process. Other notable figures in the film include music producer Sam Phillips, blues historian Peter Guralnick, and Wolf's longtime companion Barbra Marks.

Through interviews with family members and friends, the documentary also addresses some of the challenges that Howlin' Wolf faced in his personal life. He struggled with alcoholism and was often the victim of racism in the music industry. Despite these obstacles, however, he remained dedicated to his music and continued to perform right up until his death in 1976.

The Howlin' Wolf Story - The Secret History of Rock & Roll is a powerful tribute to a legendary musician, and it provides a fascinating glimpse into the history of blues and rock and roll. It highlights the influence that Howlin' Wolf had on generations of musicians and celebrates his enduring legacy as one of the greatest artists of the 20th century.