Cover: Courtesy of Universal MusicHe was born Chester Arthur Burnett (and named after the 21st President of the United States) but took the name Howlin’ Wolf when he became a professional singer. ADVERTISEMENTSam Phillips, the founder of Sun Records, first heard Howlin’ Wolf in 1951 after an introduction from Ike Turner, and had an instantaneous emotional response to the man’s powerful voice. The single “Moanin’ At Midnight” became Howlin’ Wolf’s first hit (Sun later leased the music to Chess Records). He had already suffered a heart attack before he visited London to record The London Howlin’ Wolf Sessions and, following a car accident in 1971, Wolf’s health went steadily downhill. Shop for Howlin’ Wolf’s music on vinyl or CD now.