Muddy Waters

(1915-1983)

American blues singer and guitarist. He started playing the guitar at the age of 17.  Although he listened with great interest to the recording of Robert Johnson, one of Waters greatest influence was his friend Son House.  In 1941–42 he was recorded in Mississippi by representatives of the Library of Congress, who desired to preserve the Delta Blues cultural heritage. 

In 1943 he moved to Chicago, and began his commercial recording career in 1947 . The following year he signed to the Aristocrat label which later changed its name to Chess Records.  It was also around this time that he began to play the electric guitar, utilizing a vibrant slide technique.

In the 1960s Muddy Waters toured extensively in the USA and Europe. Similar to Robert Johnson, Muddy made an impact on many white musicians, including John Mayall and the Rolling Stones in Great Britain. A car accident in 1970 curtailed his ability to play guitar while standing. Many people not only consider Muddy Waters the father of Chicago Blues and also one of the most important postwar blues singers..

Songs of Interest by Muddy Watters include: I be’s troubled (1941), Country Blues (1941) Walkin’ Blues (1950), Louisiana Blues (1950), I’m your Hoochie Coochie Man (1953), Mannish Boy (1955), Got my Mojo Working (1956), and Tiger in your Tank (1960)