Dickster's Random Thoughts: Music Monday-Muddy Waters "Hoochie Coochie Man"

Monday, August 3, 2009

Music Monday-Muddy Waters "Hoochie Coochie Man"

I love me some blues. Nobody exemplifies the blues more than Mr. McKinley Morganfield, better known as Muddy Waters. Muddy was regarded as the Father of Chicago Blues. His influence, however, stretched way beyond Chicago.

Muddy was one of the first bluesmen to use the electric guitar. He had a profound influence in the world of rock and roll. He helped Chuck Berry get his first record contract. Jimi Hendrix covered Muddy's "Catfish Blues."

Across the pond, legendary rock band The Rolling Stones took their name from his song "Rolling Stone." His songs were covered by The Allman Brothers Band, Cream, Foghat, and Humble Pie. Perhaps nobody was influenced more by Muddy Waters, than one of my favorite artists, Eric Clapton. I had the pleasure of seeing Muddy open for Clapton at the old Capital Center in Largo, MD.

Like a lot of the old delta bluesmen, Muddy led a colorful life to say the least. Robert Gordon wrote a great biography of Muddy called "Can't Be Satisfied: The Life and Times of Muddy Waters." It is a must read for any lover of the blues.

Here is one of my favorite Muddy Waters tunes, recorded at the 1960 Newport Jazz Festival. Nearly fifty years later, it hold up well. Enjoy.

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