Howlin' Wolf "Highway 49"

[@kevingruenofficial]

If only howlin wolf knew we were all watching him 50 years later...he might tear up. Blues and rock n roll will never die. It's up to us to carry the tradition on!

[@prathameshbhambure]

Yes, sir. I'm with you.

[@oliverwashburn2860]

Sumbitch is scary and hypnotic...can't take her eyes or ears off him! Been a Blues freak over 40 years and idolized Muddy. Had a couple of Wolf's albums and saw him portrayed on Cadillac Records, but had never seen these videos. It's probably sacrilegious, but I feel like shouting "Hallelujah! I have SEEN the light!"

[@AndyTwymanmusic]

This is possibly the greatest thing on the internet. The greatest performer of all time.

[@doncrabtree2728]

A terrific performance and from all accounts Howling Wolf was a gent too.

[@prebanman]

Howlin' Wolf was great in concert. Thousands of people were on their feet for the whole show. He had a huge influence on music that came after him.

[@rievans57]

No guitarist past or present could wail like the great Hubert Sumlin.

[@geothon]

100% true

[@smoothoperator7023]

Ummmm.....👉 Elmore James

[@kenairockband]

Preach! Hubert’s my all time favorite player

[@sl5932]

Brother Duane Allman.

[@rievans57]

@@smoothoperator7023 slide player. different category.

[@cavebillyguitarpicks]

my buddy randy joe fullerton would have been 63 today. rip my friend you are loved and remembered...

[@jwhammett5405]

Our brother and bassist Randy Joe Fullerton was approached by Howlin' Wolf at the 1970 D.C. Blues Fest after Randy Joe finished playing his set with Luther Allison that he played with for 10 years. Wolf told him he wanted him to play bass with him on his performance as his bassist was "unavailable" (I'd love to know the back story on that) . So 19 year old Randy Joe played that set flawlessly. Some 30 years later a documentary producer came across this film of the DC Blues fest that year. The year, 1970 was the last year blues festivals featured the original old Delta bluesmen before the British Invasion dominated American music. Nobody knew who that "white kid" was on bass, so they took a frame capture of Randy from this film and distributed it around the country. Someone told them who Randy was and they contacted him. He came to me to review it and make copies. Randy Joe died a couple of years later in Dallas. The Wolf documentary producer sent a framed quote from Wolf about Randy. It read.... "RANDY JOE FULLERTON, THE ONLY WHITE GUY TO PLAY WITH THE WOLF THAT LIVED TO TELL THE TALE" We displayed it at his funeral.

[@markhoffman2237]

J. W. Hammett, I'm the guy who contacted Randy Joe Fullerton about this show. I'm the co-author of the only biography of Wolf, "Moanin' at Midnight: The Life and Times of Howlin' Wolf," and I wrote the liner notes for this DVD. When I was writing those, I had no idea who Randy Joe was, so to try to identify him, I sent a copy of this film to blues producer Dick Shurman in Chicago, who asked blues guitarist Billy Flynn who the guy on bass was. Billy knew Randy Joe and said he was somewhere in Texas, so that's how I found him. When I called him to interview him, he almost cried with joy. He'd been telling skeptical people for decades about playing with the Wolf, and he never thought this footage would surface. When I sent him a copy of it before it was released, he said it made his day and year! Another gig he wished he had film of was when he played with T-Bone Walker at a blues festival in Berkley, also in 1970 I think. Someone has film of that, too. This was shot by a filmmaker named Topper Carew, who first showed it on a Boston TV show called "Say, Man!" It ended up in their archives, where someone else found it and bought it. But no one knew that until I discovered that and also found Carew, who didn't know this DVD containing his footage was going to be released. He did get paid, I'm happy to say. I'm just so happy that Randy Joe saw this film a few years before he died. I got a really nice card from his sister after his funeral, and I'll tell you something, that really made my day and year!

[@jwhammett5405]

@@markhoffman2237 I'd love to phone you sometime tomorrow or shortly thereafter. We can exchange phone numbers on my Facebook page's messenger at JW Dubber Hammett. Randy brought me your docu video when he received it from you. We sat down and watched it together with Randy's commentary. It was a rare moment as he was such a humble, quiet person. It's one of my favorite memories of him.

[@lightmarker3146]

@@markhoffman2237 You doing Howln proud , he would have loved it. I have seen you in many interviews and you spent some great years with these Bluesmen. Are you related to David Hoffman, the film maker ? He has some blues reels. He did the B.B. King live in Cook County footage. The show out of Boston , was Say Brother ! It was WGBH before becoming P.B.S . and we lived for Sundays to watch it. Stay Blue , and I will be looking for your book!

[@lightmarker3146]

@@jwhammett5405 This was such a beautiful post , and captured the Spirit of The Blues and Wolf . You made my year to see the respect in full circle.

[@markhoffman2237]

@@lightmarker3146 I'm not related to David Hoffman except by name. I knew about "Say Brother!" though I never saw it. I got in touch with Topper Carew, who was the producer of "Say Brother!" to tell him that Stephan Grossman was releasing this film. Carew had no idea; the footage had been in WGBH's archives and they seemingly didn't know or care who shot it. After I contacted him, Carew worked out a deal with Grossman to release it. It was originally shot in color, but Grossman released it in black-and-white for some reason, maybe having to do with royalties. Working on the Wolf bio and related stuff was one of the great joys of my life. He was an amazing man and a spectacular musician. He was always where the action was in the blues world from 1925 until his death in 1976. He lived so much in his 65 years. It's like he lived several lives. What a man!

[@billyclay2]

Randy Joe Fullerton... Thanks for so, so, many memories with you and Will "Smokey" Logg!!! You will truly be missed!!!

[@oldsagefields]

Wolf is underrated as a harp player. That deep vibrato.

[@BBell777]

This performance is just so RAW & HEAVY!!! & Hubert's guitar tone sounds AMAZING!!! Nuthin like the WOLF!!! A true ORIGINAL!!!

[@CadillacL]

I was born in '71..to been able to witness this live..man...Thanks to KZbin for posting this...true roots of rock & roll. R.I.P. Wolf.

[@acousticshadow4032]

My God, what presence he had. Wolf just stands there and kills it. I bought this dvd years ago - great video!

[@prathameshbhambure]

Where did you find it?

[@jholtgym]

"the best thing on the internet..." easily..... Chester Burnett was and remains the most mesmerizing of all the giants of blues, the beginning and reason for it all..... at my first opportunity i'm headed out to Highway 49! r.i.p. Wolf....God bless you!!!

[@evelynroberts7282]

Hubert is really handling that guitar. He is the best.

[@JimThayer]

One of our nation's greatest performers. He is the full package.

[@peterm3964]

I love the kindness in Wolfs’ smile between silverback stares and the down on one knee showman posturing . What a shouter !! And that howwwwlllll !!

[@bradfordeaton6558]

Hubert Sumlin is rockin' the house!

[@evelynroberts9798]

My yes, Sumlin could make that guitar do anything he wanted it to do. He could really work that guitar to his liking. Mr. Sumlin was so talented. Chester Burnett (wolf's real name) was a trouper. He had his own style that no one could copy. Loved his music, especially Smokestack Lighting. His howling could not be compared or copied.

[@mortalclown3812]

@@evelynroberts9798Amen. An American original on the mountaintop of sublime.

[@davidstanton3868]

​@@mortalclown3812"on the mountain top of the sublime" ( ! ). Wow.😊

[@wesrace1]

Right around this time Howlin' Wolf was playing the weekends at Big Dukes Flamingo out on West Roosevelt Road in Chicago......He usually had Sunnyland Slim with him on Keyboards and of course Hubert and occasionally S.P. Leary. He featured this tune at about every gig. One thing in Wolf's and our favor was that he played those Ghetto Jukes right up until he passed.

[@steveamado2119]

lest we forget... Hubert Sumlin was working his ass off, absolutely brilliant

[@jCd1058]

+Steve Amado If the RRHOF doesn't induct Hubert soon as a sideman, there's something seriously wrong.

[@PBNG70]

amen

[@PBNG70]

James Daniels amen it's a shame he's not already in there

[@evelynroberts9798]

Yeah, that little Sumlin was one of the best. You got that right.

[@evelynroberts9798]

Look at him back there handling that guitar.

[@emmajohnson2552]

I have been listening to blues all my life all of the greatest blues singer are gone. Bobby Bland, Johnnie Taylor, Muddy Waters, Howling Wolf, Albert King, Johnnie Lee Hooker, Koko Taylor, Robert Johnson,Marvin Sease and now the Greatest blues singer of them all Mr. RILEY BB KING. R. I. P

[@djbigleg3228]

+Emma Johnson there are alot more than you mention one of my fav,s is skip james great guitarist & great singer probably the most soulful singer in blues.fred mcdowell the best blues slide guitarist ive heard,big mama,smoky babe,t bone walker,john lee hooker.lightnin hopkins.jb lenoir.magic sam.r l burnside.buddy guy,willie dixon,otis spann.little walter,robert curtis smith & jimi hendrix.ive got all these people on my blues list & many more unknowns on the truest craftsmen live list.also thousands of rare 50s 60s & early 70s soul,rare 60s funk late 60s to mid 70s jazz funk even rare garage punk psych.all are welcome.peace have a great weekend emma.great post

[@cef8156]

John Dawson Winter III

[@thosrobert]

For the record, Hubert Sumlin (guitarist in background) has said that there are 2 Wolfs. The quiet father figure and the animated performer. Father Wolf sent Sumlin to the Chicago Conservatory to work on his fundamentals. A good Sumlin became great. Sumlin credits Wolf with all of his success.

[@sl5932]

his personal life had little flair, he lived like a bookish accountant. He was studious, frugal; he and his wife were smart with their money. A good time for him was a quiet day fishing.

[@prathameshbhambure]

Thanks for sharing the info, folks.

[@haunter112]

There's a real genius in appearing "cocky" and likable at the same time. Great performer!

[@arvidsmith1038]

Treasure of my life was to see The Wolf w Hubert and Detroit Jr on piano. at The Great Southern Music Hall in Gainesville, Fla 1975. He and the band toured in a station wagon pulling a small two-wheeled trailer. Before the show Wolf had to hit Stands Hospital for his dialysis treatment. Then he delivered a blistering performance , seated but what presence !

[@bluestime04]

this was one intense festival-most of the greats were still alive and performed. the wolf literally crawled around the stage during his set! how bout an electric jam with buddy guy, luthor allison, Miss. Fred Mcdowell (yep) junior wells and more. i was in school down there and a total blues freak. saw the entire festival. i think it was at howard univ.

[@glennlario1786]

Talent. No other word for it. The man knew what he was good at and I doubted if he ever disappointed an audience. "I'm a Blues Man" We were born too late.

[@naterfader5524]

It's just the way she go's

[@firdausHITMAN]

This is gold! Wolf was the man, a true blues pioneer and legend. He inspired so many front men.

[@Bluesmen88]

The Wolf man demands respect. One of the kings of blues, I wish I had the honor to meet him but alas I was born 14 years after his death.

[@michaelespy6651]

May the Deep Blues Live on Forever. The Soul of Man.

[@martyfeldman2101]

Wow. Best Wolf video I've ever seen.

[@TommieDavenport]

i love to see mr. wolf, videos, i meet him when i was in the 8 grade, my uncle george brown was a member of his band, travel with him many of times, there was never a mention of his name, so i guess many played but never got mention. that chicago, for you.....i love all mr wolf songs because i love my uncle so much.. I MISS YOU UNCLE GEORGE, YOUR PLAYING WILL ALWAYS BE HEARD. YOUR NEPHEW, TOMMIE BROWN

[@countryboy6767]

Lookout!!!!!! m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=2955610564483120&id=100001026151518

[@weavme]

@SrGreeneyed, that "white kid" was Randy Joe Fullerton who played with bands including: Howlin' Wolf, Luther Allison, H. B. Hutto, Watermelon, "Will" Smokey Logg and the Flamethrowers, Paul Herrington & more. That was a pretty good gig for him as he was about 18 at the time! He was a friend of mine back when he was working around Madison Wisconsin with Will Logg. A tremendous bassist and a great guy. I miss him... RIP RJ

[@markhoffman2237]

This was shot at the 1970 Washington, DC blues festival. It was bass player Randy Joe Fullerton's first and only gig with Wolf. He'd just turned 21 and was stunned to be allowed to play with him. He'd been touring with Luther Allison, who played this festival the same day. When Wolf's regular bass player, Andrew McMahon, got sick on the way to the gig, Hubert asked Randy Joe if he'd sit in. Randy Joe asked him, "How much do I have to pay you for this?"

[@katevazquez246]

Randy Joe told me the same thing. H e was a good friend of mine in the 70s, miss him much.

[@TheRobgale]

effortlessly cool.... he is so obviously lovin what he's doin...

[@prathameshbhambure]

Doesn't get any more epic and heavier than this. Hypnotized.

[@ezzthemc]

Wow. Even when he's just standing around and not singing or playing, he's still able to maintain this crazy stage presence. Thanks for the post GtrWorkShp, I really learned something.

[@Brian31881]

Freaking amazing. Sam Phillips said something about Wolf and "the soul of man."

[@buddyollie180]

Is that Hubert playing back there? I knew he was good, but in this video he's tearing it up! He plays so good...

[@OKKOKA]

this is is how you put a spell on the audience wolf is a performer on of the best in all categories ,,,my idol

[@acousticshadow4032]

Found this DVD at my local record store about 5 years ago, and couldn't get the money out of my pocket fast enough!

[@YoBro-np7xt]

Showmanship at it's very finest. The Woof.

[@nvonliph]

Electrified and electrifying. That's one hell of a show.

[@rmurbach1961]

The Blues, as it were, as it should still be. Long live the Wolf!

[@markc2727]

The dude is the original trip.👍👍👍

[@leogeiger8368]

Hubert Sumlin Oh man , Get deep down in your soul with that gitar

[@jbfurley]

A true legend ... there was never another voice like this one ... and he kicks Muddy's ass any day, IMO

[@sisterdiggins]

No drugs and no drink for the Wolf. This was all natural.

[@adammwalch]

The best. And so was his guitarist

[@mhaupt118]

Who could dislike this Must be 7 john mayer fans

[@mhaupt118]

He performs with so much heart and emotion, He is the blues.

[@oldtimetinfoilhatwearer]

Can't believe the absolute groove of these lads

[@jmaneker]

One of the best, by the best Bluesman of the 20th Century!

[@hjva1907]

So great.

[@f1tof2]

he is rapping! 1:14 i get a lot of massages from his presentation of the song and the simple anecdote he is telling "wait wait wait"

[@bojanboskovic6744]

Blues is in other side of crossroads 61/49! Fantastic!

[@bojanboskovic6744]

...plus little drop of poison....

[@DiamondSoul]

Brilliant man.

[@johndavis1789]

He was a bad man 👍🏾👍🏾

[@Microdot]

Absolutely brilliant, potentially the best live performance I ever saw.

[@santo2424]

Damn!!! The showmanship Wolf displays is just amazing and smile inducing!!! ;)

[@ramble0n7]

agreed, this is the real blues right here. and howlin wolf is pretty badass.

[@rooseveltdavis9559]

That's my boy. Love the wolf. He took care of business on that stage. I love when he said that God damn woman got me walkin. I lost it on that. Man that was funny. hahahaha. Go wolf go.

[@evelynroberts9798]

I ain't superstitious, little red rooster. Sumlin is so good on Little Red Rooster. All should listen to that one too.

[@es95]

Wait Wait!!!

[@relaxaudiovideo8743]

This is really great

[@acousticshadow4032]

Check out the grins he's giving the front row. Wolf was really just a big teddy bear.

[@ceciliamoncloadextre3644]

Transmitiendo las maravillas de los sentimientos de la música GRANDE H WOLF

[@rokmontez]

A master bluesman AND a hell of a showman. From the crazy mad eyes to the harmonica antics at 7:30. If you can walk the walk and talk the talk, a little showmanship is fun icing on the cake.

[@richardbowes6897]

The film Cadillac Records showed HW as a man of principle and integrity.What good movie that was.

[@lukefenderrhodes]

richard bowes absolutley

[@djbigleg3228]

richard bowes showed little walter as a murderer,considering only muddy was with him i think the shooting is fiction.

[@patcoughlin3104]

+djwaxthegroove I wouldn't bet my bullets,, walter didn't play with no one, did ya hear how he died?

[@djbigleg3228]

people on utube are saying dyke from the blazers was shot over a drug debt while playing live on stage.this i believe to be a load of bollocks.but clearly little walters life story in the film about chess records.was made up the shooting is fiction also he gets beaten badly over gambling & wrongly claiming the winnings he didnt win then taking the money.but he then makes it to muddys house speaks to muddys wife then dies in her arms without saying what & why happened.they should of made a film just about little walter.a film about muddy & a film about howlin wolf.but as we know most films about true musicians & bands end up being pantomime.with little truth & major untruths & dont even include their best songs. sadly many musical heroes from the best part of our musical history are portrayed wrongly.people try to ruin their image because of jealousy little walter shot no one.but he was the greatest mouth organ player with an electric harp amp ive heard.sonny boy williamson 2 being not too far behind played it clean.i quite like junior wells early mouth organ playing as well.the cadilac records story was almost total fiction so i give it a low rating.

[@brianhackert8513]

crazy, man! blues performance art

[@MUTUMBO34]

Thank you for this post. I love me some Howlin Wolf. This made my day fam!

[@brianjonesguitar]

Hate to burst your bubble, but according to Hubert Sumlin, Wolf took performances seriously and forbid indulging before and during a show. He didn't care what they did afterwards. That's the magic of the Wolf!!!

[@Shibatabomberman]

I shivered. long life to blues!

[@jameskennedy721]

Rare performance by Howlin Wolf . Great to see .

[@6t4eldo]

can someone PLEASE make a movie about this LEGEND??!! and get danny glover to portray him.

[@salahgasmi6767]

A great man

[@tonywheeler8858]

10 minutes of my life well spent, what star.

[@armandohernandezsolis2225]

Es un maestro de maestros

[@anthonytripp2251]

Hubert Sumlin is on fire

[@jaybird321]

That was great. Thanks for posting.

[@farswept]

Thanks for informing about this DVD!

[@charliedontsurf70]

very well said.

[@jCd1058]

Tell it, Mr. Wolf, tell it!

[@andrewgriggs7604]

High on something? Mr Burnett was an absolute professional, he would no more show up "high" to a show --or anywhere else--, than to show up improperly dressed! To suggest that Mr Burnett used drugs is extremely insulting to the memory of a man who was an inspiration to millions.

[@VisionaryofMirage]

+Andrew Griggs Indeed, he was also apparently a strict bandleader, he would tell the musicians that after they were done they could get as drunk as they liked, but while they played for him they weren't to touch a drop.

[@timothylewis2450]

Mr. Burnett’s sober policy was well known. His life has been well documented including his intolerance of drug use. There is absolutely no evidence of him ever using drugs or giving a drunken performance.

[@jeffreymcglone4873]

Oh yes wat talent!!! I love his white 64 stratocaster giitar. Oh how it growls like him

[@romainverdon5288]

My favorite Bluesman with Robert JOHNSON

[@PutmanFranklinAvenue]

oh My God! I love it! Sweet Wolf

[@LeesFakeHits-dw5sw]

The greatest of the great!

[@peterm3964]

Strike a pose Wolf .. luv it

[@bluesisgold]

I'd love to have a look at the 45 individuals who gave this a thumb down...

[@evelynroberts9798]

They didn't show it on this video, but he crawled onto the stage. He used to get under tables when he was singing. A humerous man indeed.

[@evelynroberts9798]

After reading the book about his life, his mother never approved of him singing blues and did not accept any of the money he gave to her in his life, said that he singing for the devil so she would throw the money back at him. It had to hurt him that his mother never accepted him because of his blues singing. I am sure she had some mental problems too. That's why was implied about her in the book.

[@shrimpdaddy]

The woff is the real deal man natural born taildragger. What a voice!

[@barbequebobmaglinte]

Howlin' Wolf before he got real sick. He's blowing harp thru the PA and has the single baddest harp ton of anyone I ever heard, bar none. I got to see him in later years when he was real sick and seated on the bandstand and this is much more raw.

[@steveamado2119]

WAIT! WAIT!..when the Wolf yells WAIT! WAIT, your ass better wait lol, straight up badass

[@daveid7247]

LOL!

[@johndavis1789]

Hey blues family he was a bad man and if you know you know don't pay me no mine see 👀 ya on highway 49 😎👍🏾👍🏾

[@primolandia]

"Cause if you've been mistreated..." :D Thanks for sharing!

[@raleighsquare]

I've been a blues fan for over 50 years. There are a handful of people in my list of Very Favorites and the Wolf is way up there.

[@tonyfreeman1339]

Solid gold.

[@habackuk]

Howlin' Wolf. The real deal.

[@brynttr]

Yeoow! Dynamite stuff. This guy had a lot of power. Howlin' Wolf was the real deal. And Hubert Sumlin sure plays tasty!

[@GeneHill]

I live about a mile from HWY 49, the heart of the MS Delta. Blues Country.

[@AlbertBos]

Howlin, geweldig!!!

[@johnniethomas2533]

❤🎉