About Blues Music: Muddy Waters

Born: April 4, 1913

Died: April 30, 1983

McKinley Morganfield, a.k.a. Muddy Waters, is the father of modern Chicago blues. He started out playing guitar at parties and was influenced by Son House and Robert Johnson. The most influential blues singers and guitar player to hit the Delta blues scene, Waters amplified the blues for crossover influence to rock bands and artists such as The Rolling Stones and Eric Clapton.

What is Blues Music About According to Muddy Waters: His blues was simple and steeped into Mississippi Delta traditions. “My blues looks so simple, so easy to do, but it’s not. They say my blues is the hardest blues in the world to play.”

How to Gear up Like Muddy Waters: To play like Muddy Waters, strap on an acoustic Gibson L-5 with a D’Armond Rhythm Chief pickup or try a Gibson Les Paul Gold Top.

Essential Blues music tracks from Muddy Waters:

I’m Ready

Mannish Boy

I Just Want to Make Love to You

Honey Bee

Well Known Covers:
I Just Want to Make Love to You – Foghat

Famous for Playing With: Little Walter Jacobs, Jimmy Rogers, Elgin Evans, Otis Spann, Willie Dixon, Johnny Winter