Tag: Muddy Waters

Muddy Waters

Muddy Waters, whose real name was McKinley Morganfield, was an American blues musician and songwriter. He was born on April 4, 1915 in Rolling Fork, Mississippi, and died on April 30, 1983 in Westmont, Illinois. He is considered one of the most important figures in the history of blues music and one of the founders of the Chicago blues style.

Waters began his career as a musician in the early 1940s, playing on the streets and at parties. In the early 1950s, he was discovered by Chess Records, which signed him to a recording contract. He recorded a number of successful albums, including “The Real Folk Blues” and “The Muddy Waters Woodstock Album”, and had a number of hit singles, including “Hoochie Coochie Man” and “Mannish Boy”.

Cooperation with Johnny Winter

Muddy Waters and Johnny Winter had a fruitful collaboration in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Johnny Winter, a blues musician himself, had been a fan of Muddy Waters since childhood and had always admired his music. In 1977, he began producing albums for Waters and over the next four years, they worked together to release four albums, all under the Blue Sky Records label. These albums were “Hard Again” (1977), “I’m Ready” (1978), “King Bee” (1981) and the Grammy award-winning live album “Muddy ‘Mississippi’ Waters – Live” (1979) in the category of Best Ethnic or Traditional Folk Recording.

The collaboration between the two musicians was highly successful and the albums produced during this time are considered some of Waters’ best works. Winter’s production skills helped to bring out the best in Waters’ music and the albums have been praised for their energy and intensity. The two musicians had a great chemistry and were able to work together to create powerful and timeless music. The album ‘Hard Again’ was especially acclaimed as it was a comeback album for Muddy and helped him to regain his position in the music industry.

The partnership between Muddy Waters and Johnny Winter was not only a success in terms of music production, but it also helped to introduce a new generation of fans to Waters’ music and cemented his legacy as one of the most important figures in the history of blues music.

Waters’ influence on the blues

Waters’ music was deeply rooted in the Mississippi Delta blues tradition, and he was a master of the slide guitar technique. He also had a powerful and distinctive voice, which he used to deliver his lyrics with great emotion. His performances were characterized by their energy and intensity, and he was known for his ability to connect with his audience.

Waters’ influence on the blues and on popular music, in general, was enormous. He was a significant influence on a number of other blues musicians, including Howlin’ Wolf, Little Walter, and Willie Dixon. He also significantly impacted rock music, with many rock musicians citing him as an important influence.

In 1980, Muddy Waters was among the first musicians to be inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame. He was also honored with a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 1987 and inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987. His music continues to be celebrated and his legacy lives on.

We appreciate your time and dedication to reading our article. For more of the finest blues guitar music, make sure to follow our Facebook page, “I Love Blues Guitar”. We share exceptional selections every day. Thank you once again for your continued support and readership.

Muddy Waters

Muddy Waters, born McKinley Morganfield on April 4, 1913, in Issaquena County, Mississippi, was a pivotal figure in the post-World War II blues scene, often referred to as the “father of modern Chicago blues.” His musical journey began early, playing guitar and harmonica, influenced by artists like Son House and Robert Johnson. He moved to Chicago in 1943, embarking on a full-time music career and recording his first records for Columbia and Aristocrat Records, the latter evolving into Chess Records. His 1950s band included blues icons like Little Walter Jacobs, Jimmy Rogers, Elga Edmonds (Elgin Evans), Otis Spann, and Willie Dixon, creating classics like “Hoochie Coochie Man” and “I Just Want to Make Love to You.”

In 1971, Muddy Waters performed at Mister Kelly’s in Chicago, a significant moment in his career, marking his crossover to a predominantly white audience. The band included:

1. George ‘Harmonica’ Smith (Mouthharp): Born Allen George Smith on April 22, 1924, in West Helena, Arkansas, Smith was renowned for his electric blues harmonica playing. Raised in Cairo, Illinois, he learned harmonica at the age of 4. Smith joined Muddy Waters’ band in 1954, also working with artists like Big Mama Thornton and Otis Rush.

2. Peewee Madison (Guitar): James “Peewee” Madison, born on May 4, 1935, in Osceola, AR, was a key member of Waters’ band from the mid-1960s until the early 1970s, playing on most of his singles and albums during this period.

3. Sammy Lawhorn (Guitar): Born on July 12, 1935, in Little Rock, Arkansas, Lawhorn joined Muddy Waters’ band in 1964. His tenure was marked by contributions to several of Waters’ albums and collaborations with blues greats like Junior Wells, Otis Rush, and Elmore James. However, his career was later hampered by his struggle with alcoholism.

4. Pinetop Perkins (Piano): Joe Willie “Pinetop” Perkins, born July 7, 1913, in Belzoni, Mississippi, was a legendary blues pianist. He joined Waters’ band in 1969, replacing Otis Spann, and later formed the Legendary Blues Band with Willie “Big Eyes” Smith.

5. Calvin ‘Fuzz’ Jones (Bass): Born on June 9, 1926, in Greenwood, Mississippi, Jones was a prominent electric blues bassist. He joined Waters’ band in 1970 and was known for his strong electric bass playing and deep blues singing. Jones played on several of Waters’ albums and was part of the Legendary Blues Band formed in 1980.

6. Willie ‘Big Eyes’ Smith (Drums): Born on January 19, 1936, in Helena, Arkansas, Smith was best known for his stints with Waters’ band beginning in the early 1960s. He rejoined Waters’ band in the late 1960s and stayed until 1980, contributing to all of Waters’ Grammy Award-winning albums released between 1971 and 1979.

This lineup of musicians represents some of the most influential artists in the blues genre, each contributing significantly to the legacy of blues music.

Video

We appreciate your time and dedication to reading our article. For more of the finest blues guitar music, make sure to follow our Facebook page, “I Love Blues Guitar”. We share exceptional selections every day. Thank you once again for your continued support and readership.

Muddy Waters: The King of Chicago Blues Takes on ChicagoFest, 1981

In August 1981, Navy Pier in Chicago witnessed a historic event. It was ChicagoFest, the premier outdoor music festival of the Windy City. The magnet of the event was none other than the king of Chicago blues himself, Muddy Waters. His devoted fans thronged the venue, eager to relish a performance by one of the most revolutionary figures in blues history.

Muddy Waters, birthed as McKinley Morganfield in 1915, Mississippi, transformed the Delta blues by electrifying it during the late 1940s and early ’50s. Waters wasn’t just a frontman; he was an institution. His undeniable aura, the gruff vocals, and his incomparable slide guitar technique encapsulated the essence of post-war Chicago blues. His band included prodigies like Jimmy Rogers on the guitar, Little Walter with the harmonica, and the magnificent Otis Spann on the piano.

Muddy’s journey began on the Stovall Plantation, where he was deeply influenced by the iconic Son House. His formal entry into the world of recorded music began when Alan Lomax and John Work captured his talent in 1941. Yet, his breakthrough came after his migration to Chicago in 1943. His association with Leonard Chess of the budding Aristocrat label in 1947 paved the way for hits like “I Can’t Be Satisfied” and “I Feel Like Going Home.”

Come 1981, with a band that had perfected his vision, Waters stood on the ChicagoFest stage, initiating the performance with “Mannish Boy.” He then enthralled the audience with classics from Jimmy Reed, Big Joe Williams, Slim Harpo, and his own treasures like “Trouble No More.” The performance had other iconic moments, such as Johnny Winter’s appearance, a talent who had earlier collaborated with Waters on the 1977 album, Hard Again.

However, what stayed with many was Waters’ humility. Despite facing hardships, he believed in his music, expressing gratitude for every luxury that came late in his life. Sadly, Waters left the world on April 30, 1983, but his performance at ChicagoFest remains an eternal testimony to his genius. Those two nights were a gift – a shared joy between the legend, his peers, and the audience.

Muddy Waters

(Watch the video below)

Muddy Waters, whose real name was McKinley Morganfield, was an American blues musician and songwriter. He was born on April 4, 1915 in Rolling Fork, Mississippi, and died on April 30, 1983 in Westmont, Illinois. He is considered one of the most important figures in the history of blues music and one of the founders of the Chicago blues style.

Waters began his career as a musician in the early 1940s, playing on the streets and at parties. In the early 1950s, he was discovered by Chess Records, which signed him to a recording contract. He recorded a number of successful albums, including “The Real Folk Blues” and “The Muddy Waters Woodstock Album”, and had a number of hit singles, including “Hoochie Coochie Man” and “Mannish Boy”.

Cooperation with Johnny Winter

Muddy Waters and Johnny Winter had a fruitful collaboration in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Johnny Winter, a blues musician himself, had been a fan of Muddy Waters since childhood and had always admired his music. In 1977, he began producing albums for Waters and over the next four years, they worked together to release four albums, all under the Blue Sky Records label. These albums were “Hard Again” (1977), “I’m Ready” (1978), “King Bee” (1981) and the Grammy award-winning live album “Muddy ‘Mississippi’ Waters – Live” (1979) in the category of Best Ethnic or Traditional Folk Recording.

The collaboration between the two musicians was highly successful and the albums produced during this time are considered some of Waters’ best works. Winter’s production skills helped to bring out the best in Waters’ music and the albums have been praised for their energy and intensity. The two musicians had a great chemistry and were able to work together to create powerful and timeless music. The album ‘Hard Again’ was especially acclaimed as it was a comeback album for Muddy and helped him to regain his position in the music industry.

The partnership between Muddy Waters and Johnny Winter was not only a success in terms of music production, but it also helped to introduce a new generation of fans to Waters’ music and cemented his legacy as one of the most important figures in the history of blues music.

Waters’ influence on the blues

Waters’ music was deeply rooted in the Mississippi Delta blues tradition, and he was a master of the slide guitar technique. He also had a powerful and distinctive voice, which he used to deliver his lyrics with great emotion. His performances were characterized by their energy and intensity, and he was known for his ability to connect with his audience.

Waters’ influence on the blues and on popular music, in general, was enormous. He was a significant influence on a number of other blues musicians, including Howlin’ Wolf, Little Walter, and Willie Dixon. He also significantly impacted rock music, with many rock musicians citing him as an important influence.

In 1980, Muddy Waters was among the first musicians to be inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame. He was also honored with a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 1987 and inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987. His music continues to be celebrated and his legacy lives on.

Video

We appreciate your time and dedication to reading our article. For more of the finest blues guitar music, make sure to follow our Facebook page, “I Love Blues Guitar”. We share exceptional selections every day. Thank you once again for your continued support and readership.

Muddy Waters

Muddy Waters, born McKinley Morganfield on April 4, 1913, in Issaquena County, Mississippi, was a pivotal figure in the post-World War II blues scene, often referred to as the “father of modern Chicago blues.” His musical journey began early, playing guitar and harmonica, influenced by artists like Son House and Robert Johnson. He moved to Chicago in 1943, embarking on a full-time music career and recording his first records for Columbia and Aristocrat Records, the latter evolving into Chess Records. His 1950s band included blues icons like Little Walter Jacobs, Jimmy Rogers, Elga Edmonds (Elgin Evans), Otis Spann, and Willie Dixon, creating classics like “Hoochie Coochie Man” and “I Just Want to Make Love to You.”

In 1971, Muddy Waters performed at Mister Kelly’s in Chicago, a significant moment in his career, marking his crossover to a predominantly white audience. The band included:

1. George ‘Harmonica’ Smith (Mouthharp): Born Allen George Smith on April 22, 1924, in West Helena, Arkansas, Smith was renowned for his electric blues harmonica playing. Raised in Cairo, Illinois, he learned harmonica at the age of 4. Smith joined Muddy Waters’ band in 1954, also working with artists like Big Mama Thornton and Otis Rush.

2. Peewee Madison (Guitar): James “Peewee” Madison, born on May 4, 1935, in Osceola, AR, was a key member of Waters’ band from the mid-1960s until the early 1970s, playing on most of his singles and albums during this period.

3. Sammy Lawhorn (Guitar): Born on July 12, 1935, in Little Rock, Arkansas, Lawhorn joined Muddy Waters’ band in 1964. His tenure was marked by contributions to several of Waters’ albums and collaborations with blues greats like Junior Wells, Otis Rush, and Elmore James. However, his career was later hampered by his struggle with alcoholism.

4. Pinetop Perkins (Piano): Joe Willie “Pinetop” Perkins, born July 7, 1913, in Belzoni, Mississippi, was a legendary blues pianist. He joined Waters’ band in 1969, replacing Otis Spann, and later formed the Legendary Blues Band with Willie “Big Eyes” Smith.

5. Calvin ‘Fuzz’ Jones (Bass): Born on June 9, 1926, in Greenwood, Mississippi, Jones was a prominent electric blues bassist. He joined Waters’ band in 1970 and was known for his strong electric bass playing and deep blues singing. Jones played on several of Waters’ albums and was part of the Legendary Blues Band formed in 1980.

6. Willie ‘Big Eyes’ Smith (Drums): Born on January 19, 1936, in Helena, Arkansas, Smith was best known for his stints with Waters’ band beginning in the early 1960s. He rejoined Waters’ band in the late 1960s and stayed until 1980, contributing to all of Waters’ Grammy Award-winning albums released between 1971 and 1979.

This lineup of musicians represents some of the most influential artists in the blues genre, each contributing significantly to the legacy of blues music.

Muddy Waters Style Blues Guitar Lesson – Solo Composition For Acoustic or Electric Guitar

We appreciate your time and dedication to reading our article. For more of the finest blues guitar music, make sure to follow our Facebook page, “I Love Blues Guitar”. We share exceptional selections every day. Thank you once again for your continued support and readership.

Muddy Waters: The King of Chicago Blues Takes on ChicagoFest, 1981

In August 1981, Navy Pier in Chicago witnessed a historic event. It was ChicagoFest, the premier outdoor music festival of the Windy City. The magnet of the event was none other than the king of Chicago blues himself, Muddy Waters. His devoted fans thronged the venue, eager to relish a performance by one of the most revolutionary figures in blues history.

Muddy Waters, birthed as McKinley Morganfield in 1915, Mississippi, transformed the Delta blues by electrifying it during the late 1940s and early ’50s. Waters wasn’t just a frontman; he was an institution. His undeniable aura, the gruff vocals, and his incomparable slide guitar technique encapsulated the essence of post-war Chicago blues. His band included prodigies like Jimmy Rogers on the guitar, Little Walter with the harmonica, and the magnificent Otis Spann on the piano.

Muddy’s journey began on the Stovall Plantation, where he was deeply influenced by the iconic Son House. His formal entry into the world of recorded music began when Alan Lomax and John Work captured his talent in 1941. Yet, his breakthrough came after his migration to Chicago in 1943. His association with Leonard Chess of the budding Aristocrat label in 1947 paved the way for hits like “I Can’t Be Satisfied” and “I Feel Like Going Home.”

Come 1981, with a band that had perfected his vision, Waters stood on the ChicagoFest stage, initiating the performance with “Mannish Boy.” He then enthralled the audience with classics from Jimmy Reed, Big Joe Williams, Slim Harpo, and his own treasures like “Trouble No More.” The performance had other iconic moments, such as Johnny Winter’s appearance, a talent who had earlier collaborated with Waters on the 1977 album, Hard Again.

However, what stayed with many was Waters’ humility. Despite facing hardships, he believed in his music, expressing gratitude for every luxury that came late in his life. Sadly, Waters left the world on April 30, 1983, but his performance at ChicagoFest remains an eternal testimony to his genius. Those two nights were a gift – a shared joy between the legend, his peers, and the audience.

Muddy Waters

McKinley Morganfield, better known as Muddy Waters, was one of the most influential artists of all time. His innovation in jazz and rhythm and blues music continues to leave its mark today. In this performance, he is covering a song called “The Howling Wolf”.

This song was originally written and performed by Sam “Lightin’” Hopkins. Hopkins and Waters were both known for their influential styles. This performance took place in Warsaw, Poland 1976 at the Jazz Jamboree. The entire concert was filmed and is still available for viewing today.
This cover opens with Muddy Waters playing a jazzy, downbeat. His gravelly, voice perfectly captures the emotional lyrics of the song. A classic harmonica accompanies the guitar and vocals from the beginning of the song. The band continues to riff on the song until 3:54 where the music breaks for a guitar and then a harmonica solo. Be sure to watch until 6:44 when Muddy Waters acts out his inside howling wolf.

Blues is a musical genre known as the folklore of African-American musicians. Its origins are associated with the southern states of the USA, that is the region conventionally called the “deep south”. The very name of the genre (sadness, despair) is related to its nostalgic form, also in the textual layer. Blues pieces touch male-female relationships as well as feelings and emotions (love, loneliness, faithfulness, jealousy). However, blues performers often sing about freedom, work and travel. The songs also feature social criticism relating mainly to racial inequality and political issues.

Many artists are inspired by blues music and combine it with other styles. In this way, such musical mergers as punk blues, soul blues or blues rock. The popularity of this genre in the USA has led to the emergence of regional varieties, such as Louisiana, New Orleans, Texas and Detroit blues. There are also factions characteristic of other countries – British blues and African blues.

Muddy Waters

McKinley Morganfield (April 4, 1913 – April 30, 1983), known professionally as Muddy Waters, was an American blues singer-songwriter and musician who was an important figure in the post-war blues scene, and is often cited as the “father of modern Chicago blues”. His style of playing has been described as “raining down Delta beatitude”.

Muddy Waters grew up on Stovall Plantation near Clarksdale, Mississippi, and by age 17 was playing the guitar and the harmonica, emulating the local blues artists Son House and Robert Johnson. He was recorded in Mississippi by Alan Lomax for the Library of Congress in 1941. In 1943, he moved to Chicago to become a full-time professional musician. In 1946, he recorded his first records for Columbia Records and then for Aristocrat Records, a newly formed label run by the brothers Leonard and Phil Chess.

In the early 1950s, Muddy Waters and his band—Little Walter Jacobs on harmonica, Jimmy Rogers on guitar, Elga Edmonds (also known as Elgin Evans) on drums and Otis Spann on piano—recorded several blues classics, some with the bassist and songwriter Willie Dixon. These songs included “Hoochie Coochie Man”, “I Just Want to Make Love to You” and “I’m Ready”. In 1958, he traveled to England, laying the foundations of the resurgence of interest in the blues there. His performance at the Newport Jazz Festival in 1960 was recorded and released as his first live album, At Newport 1960.

Muddy Waters’ music has influenced various American music genres, including rock and roll and rock music.

Muddy Waters favorite guitar was “The Hoss” which was a 1958 Fender Telecaster. That he modified with some knobs from a Fender amp, changed the neck to maple, and painted it candy apple red. He nicknamed it “The Hoss” and it was his main guitar until he died in 1983.

Our quality blues t-shirts are perfect for your next music festival, concert or jam, and make great gifts.

Muddy Waters

McKinley Morganfield (April 4, 1913 – April 30, 1983), known professionally as Muddy Waters, was an American blues singer-songwriter and musician who was an important figure in the post-war blues scene, and is often cited as the “father of modern Chicago blues”. His style of playing has been described as “raining down Delta beatitude”.

Muddy Waters grew up on Stovall Plantation near Clarksdale, Mississippi, and by age 17 was playing the guitar and the harmonica, emulating the local blues artists Son House and Robert Johnson. He was recorded in Mississippi by Alan Lomax for the Library of Congress in 1941. In 1943, he moved to Chicago to become a full-time professional musician. In 1946, he recorded his first records for Columbia Records and then for Aristocrat Records, a newly formed label run by the brothers Leonard and Phil Chess.

In the early 1950s, Muddy Waters and his band—Little Walter Jacobs on harmonica, Jimmy Rogers on guitar, Elga Edmonds (also known as Elgin Evans) on drums and Otis Spann on piano—recorded several blues classics, some with the bassist and songwriter Willie Dixon. These songs included “Hoochie Coochie Man”, “I Just Want to Make Love to You” and “I’m Ready”. In 1958, he traveled to England, laying the foundations of the resurgence of interest in the blues there. His performance at the Newport Jazz Festival in 1960 was recorded and released as his first live album, At Newport 1960.

Muddy Waters’ music has influenced various American music genres, including rock and roll and rock music.

Muddy Waters favorite guitar was “The Hoss” which was a 1958 Fender Telecaster. That he modified with some knobs from a Fender amp, changed the neck to maple, and painted it candy apple red. He nicknamed it “The Hoss” and it was his main guitar until he died in 1983.

One more version of this great song was recorded on 7/29/1971 in Ash Grove (Los Angeles, CA)