Howlin' Wolf was one of the greatest characters and most electrifying performers in blues history. Presented here is his outstanding 1959 LP for Chess Records, Moanin' in the Moonlight. One of the all-time cornerstones of the genre, it contains several of his early hits: "How Many More Years," "Smokestack Lightning," "Forty Four," and "Evil. In 2005 Rolling Stone Magazine listed 'Moanin' in the Moonlight' #153 of "The 500 Greatest Albums Of All Time".
In 2025, Chess Records celebrates its 75th anniversary. To mark this historic milestone, Chess will launch a comprehensive 75th anniversary series this October with a curated selection of audiophile vinyl reissues, kicking off with Muddy Waters’ The Best of Muddy Waters and Howlin’ Wolf’s Moanin’ in the Moonlight. The ongoing monthly series will showcase releases from legendary artists spanning across the renowned Chess roster, including Chuck Berry’s Berry Is on Top and Etta James’ At Last, and Little Walter’s The Best of Little Walter and Sonny Boy Williamson II’s The Real Folk Blues
