103 Years Ago Today, Human History Intersected With Muddy Waters

[Blanket Jackson]

McKinley Morganfield, born 04 April 1913

 

[Custom Deluxe]

Dang! A true legend for sure!

 

[Rhythm Rocker]

I saw him open for Eric Clapton in '80! He played his red Tele and had Luther 'Guitar Junior' Johnson on lead, Jerry Portnoy on Harp.

He called Eric his son. Love Muddy Waters and his voice and songs! True inspiration.

 

[mannish]

Muddy is THE king

 

[GulfportBound]

 

[tapeworm]

"We remembered the man whose spirit gave new blues to an old city. He was the one who warmed up ice-cold Chicago with the sun of the Delta. Man, he was the son of the Delta- the source, the father to a thousand musicians, to cats who knew him and cats who weren't even born. He's still giving birth to the children of the blues. I just love saying his name. I just love telling everyone that Muddy Waters was my friend, that Muddy Waters was the man."
-Buddy Guy on Muddy Waters funeral

Probably my fav Muddy Waters clip ever.

 

[stratocat63]

I used to work for a great lady that had a big Muddy birthday party every year. She lost her bar and had it at her house the following year. She has moved away so no more Muddy parties. This makes me remember her so thanks for reminding me it's Muddy's birthday ;-)

 

[eSS eSS]

"Early morning
April 4
shot rings out
In the Memphis sky"

 

[Sam Karnatz]

Pops just sent me this un:

 

[Blanket Jackson]

Always loved these two ...

 

[dlguitar64]

Muddy is untouchable in my book.

 

[aiq]

Just tremendous. Never live but oh those records.

 

[BigSB]

I saw him open for Eric Clapton in '80! Jerry Portnoy on Harp. He called Eric his son.

Not that you or anyone in this thread mentioned it, but this sort of thing gives the lie to "whites can't play blues" and similar crap.

The man had Little Walter Jacobs, Big Walter Horton AND James Cotton on his bandstand and could have his pick of guitar players and harp players.

Portnoy was great in those days. A fine harp player in his own right, his pedigree with Waters and others notwithstanding.

The only shame is that Muddy's style has become the default "blues" style for most bedroom bluesmen and open-jam heroes.

That is, of course, when they're not trying to be The Strat In The Hat.

 

[Custom50]

Dude was awesome for sure. His guitar playing is cool but I really like his singing. Respect.

 

[SnidelyWhiplash]

Look at the caliber of musicians who came up through his band over the yrs.
I consider MW one of American Music's greatest bandleaders.

 

[Memphistokid]

He introduced me to the Blues even before I knew there was something called the blues. Lately been more Howlin than Muddy playin in the car, but Mr. Morganfield is still the beginning for me. Without Muddy, no EC and BG...and they're both part of a dying breed. BLUESMAN. RIP....say hi to Johnny.

 

[Lef T]

Play on Muddy.
Maybe Muddy and Howlin and Jimi are sitting somewhere right now jammin away.
Muddy turns to Jimi and says.
That's real good Jimi,but try saying it with a few less notes.

 

[rwmct]

Saw him at the Shaboo Inn in Wilimantic, CT. I don't remember who was playing harp, but Pinetop Perkins was on the piano.