Remembering the Guitar and Blues of Muddy Waters
Before we start the article on the topic of Muddy Waters: The Father of Modern Chicago Blues, listen to one of his best-known tunes, “King Bee,” while you read the story of the man who redefined the genre. Muddy’s influence acted as the foundation for the entire Chicago scene, paving the way for artists like Lonnie Brooks, who brought a unique Bayou-infused energy to the Windy City’s guitar landscape.
The history of blues isn’t complete without the mention of Muddy Waters. Some might even call him the “father of modern Chicago blues”. Waters is the classic example of an all-round artist. The singer-songwriter was an incredible bandleader, performer, and guitarist who fused Delta blues with electric guitars, drums, and electric bass. His unique sound inspired musicians from different genres including blues, R&B, hard rock, folk, rock ‘n’ roll, folk, and even jazz.
Early Life of Muddy Waters
Although some sources suggest he was born on April 4, 1913, Waters once cited 1915 as his birth year. The bluesman was born in Rolling Fork, MS, and named McKinley Morganfield at birth. However, Della Grant, his grandmother, called him “Muddy” because he played in the mud as a boy. His childhood friends would soon nickname him “Water” before he became “Waters” years later. Although his father, Ollie Morganfield, was a constant feature at local blues events, much of Waters’ musical influence was from Delta musicians like Robert Nighthawk, Son House, and Robert Johnson.
Waters didn’t quite know his mother, Bertha Jones, who died a while after his birth. It is his grandmother who raised him in Clarksdale, Mississippi. Waters may have worked in cotton plantations from time to time, but he also sang and played the harmonica. He later picked up the guitar and began performing at parties. Waters even operated a juke house at some point.
The Story Behind Muddy Waters Songs and Documentary
In 1943, Waters arrived in Chicago hoping to venture into music professionally. He started opening shows for popular bluesman Big Bill Broonzy and the crowds would go wild. By 1944, Waters had purchased an electric guitar and brought a fresh twist to Chicago blues. Unlike the sad blues of that era, Waters’ performances were electrifying.
At the time, Aristocrat Records had already rebranded to Chess Records. With Jimmy Rogers, who acted as the essential architect of the Chicago rhythm sound, and harmonicist Little Walter Jacobs, Muddy Waters would dominate the 50s with classics like “I’m Ready” and “Hoochie Coochie Man”. The chemistry between these players set the stage for later legendary collaborations, such as the 1974 summit of Junior Wells and Buddy Guy, which captured that same explosive Chicago energy.
Muddy Waters Songs With His Bluesband Live and Radio Sessions
Awards Muddy Waters Received in His Musical Career
Jean-Luc Ourlin, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia CommonsMuddy Waters has gained immense recognition throughout his career, For example, Waters boasts six Grammy wins and 11 nominations. He also has several inductions, including the 1987 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and the 1980 Blues Hall of Fame. Most recently, the City Council elevated his Kenwood home to landmark status, ensuring his physical legacy remains as strong as the Muddy Waters songs which were recorded for the listening pleasure of blues lovers of the future.
