A powerful performer, an awesome bandleader of James Brown-caliber, a master storyteller and slashing slide guitar player, Muddy Waters (captured above in artwork created by Michael Gragg) was arguably the most famous blues singer of all time. He infused the blues with such intensity that every song he sang became a Muddy Waters song. The legion of artists he inspired range from Chuck Berry and Bob Dylan, to Eric Clapton and the Rolling Stones, who named their band after one of his songs. The song most identified with him, "Mannish Boy", was a highlight of The Band's "The Last Waltz", which I introduced to my son, Anthony, and which he played over and over again. He tells me the filmmakers wanted to cut out Muddy Waters, but The Band stood their ground and he stayed in. Let's start with that signature version of "Mannish Boy" and move on to the Newport Folk Festival in 1960, then on down and back to Newport, for a spirited jam featuring Muddy and other blues greats.
"Mannish Boy (I'm A Man)"
"Hoochie, Koochie Man"
"You Can't Lose What You Never Had"
"Nineteen Years Old"
"Got My Mojo Working"
Muddy Waters with Betty Jeannette, Sammy Price, Jimmy Rushing + @ Newport, 1960
Porter Tubb
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