Artists & Performers

Muddy Waters, born McKinley Morganfield on April 4, 1913, in Rolling Fork, Mississippi, was an iconic American blues musician whose innovative style and electrifying performances helped shape the sound of modern blues and rock music. With his deep, gravelly voice, slashing slide guitar, and commanding stage presence, Muddy Waters became one of the most influential and celebrated figures in the history of the blues.Waters grew up on a plantation in Mississippi, where he was exposed to the rich musical traditions of the Delta region. He began playing the guitar and harmonica at a young age, drawing inspiration from Delta blues pioneers like Robert Johnson and Son House. In the late 1930s, Waters moved to Chicago, where he found work as a musician and began to make a name for himself on the local blues scene.In the 1940s and 1950s, Waters rose to prominence with a string of electrifying recordings for the Chess Records label. His distinctive sound, characterized by gritty vocals, searing guitar solos, and driving rhythms, helped define the Chicago blues sound and laid the groundwork for the emergence of rock and roll.Waters' hits from this period, including "Rollin' Stone" (which inspired the name of the legendary band The Rolling Stones), "Hoochie Coochie Man," and "Mannish Boy," became enduring classics and solidified his reputation as a blues icon. His influence extended beyond the blues world, with rock musicians like Eric Clapton, Jimi Hendrix, and The Rolling Stones citing him as a major inspiration.In addition to his musical contributions, Waters played a key role in bringing the blues to a wider audience through his electrifying live performances and tireless touring. He became known for his dynamic stage presence and impassioned delivery, captivating audiences with his raw emotion and intensity.Throughout his career, Waters received numerous accolades and honors, including multiple Grammy Awards and inductions into the Blues Hall of Fame and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. His impact on music continues to be felt to this day, with his recordings serving as a cornerstone of the blues canon and inspiring generations of musicians around the world.Muddy Waters passed away on April 30, 1983, but his legacy lives on through his timeless recordings, which continue to resonate with audiences and influence musicians of all genres. As one of the architects of modern blues and rock music, Muddy Waters will forever be remembered as a true legend of American music.