Moanin' in the Moonlight - Howlin' Wolf (#477)

This week, Dan and Carl dig into the dark, gritty, and groundbreaking Moanin’ in the Moonlight by Howlin’ Wolf — ranked #477 on Rolling Stone Magazine's 500 Greatest Albums of All Time. With a growl like gravel and a presence like thunder, Howlin’ Wolf’s debut album isn't just blues — it's the blueprint for rock ‘n’ roll.

Originally released in 1958 as a compilation of previously recorded singles, this 12-track, 30-minute album is a masterclass in raw expression. The guys explore everything from the origins of the electric blues to bizarre recording choices, and even a few unexpected grooves that feel downright Dilla-esque.

Whether you’re a blues head or a first-time listener, you’ll hear this album — and the blues — with new ears.

🎧 Key Points

• Who Was Howlin’ Wolf? Born Chester Arthur Burnett, the man behind the howl was a towering force — literally. At 6'3" and 275 lbs, his presence and voice were larger than life. The guys dig into his history, including his time in the military, his discovery by Ike Turner, and his pivotal move to Chicago and Chess Records.

• Format Breakdown & Song Structures Dan and Carl give listeners a crash course in blues forms — 12-bar, one-chord vamps, and even a possible D.C. Shuffle — making this episode perfect for blues newbies and music theory nerds alike.

• Influence & Legacy From The Rolling Stones to Led Zeppelin to The Black Keys, Howlin’ Wolf’s fingerprints are all over modern music — legally or otherwise. His influence extends beyond the music into stage presence, vocal delivery, and raw emotional honesty.

Music Referenced

• Muddy Waters
• Phil Spector
• Floyd Jones
• Johnny Shines
• Sunny Boy Williams
• Robert Johnson
• Son House
• Willie Johnson
• Junior Parker
• Willie Steele
• Ike Turner
• James Brown
• Herbert Sumlin
• Willie Dixon
• Otis Spann
• Jody Williams
• The Rolling Stones
• The Lemon Song by Led Zeppelin
• How Many More Times by Led Zeppelin
• Smokestack Lightning by The Yardbirds
• Smokestack Lightning by Manfred Mann
• Jay Dee (J Dilla)
• George Benson
• Wolfman Jack
• Richard Dreyfus
• Stevie Ray Vaughan
• Frank Yonay
• John Popper
• Bob Dylan
• Steven Tyler
• Alanis Morissette
• Royals by Lorde
• Tove Lo
• Devil's Haircut by Beck
• Arcade Fire