Muddy Waters: Fathers and Sons
It was around this time 41 years ago that Muddy Waters started working on his double vinyl release Fathers and Sons… And since today (Easter Sunday April 4th,2010) would’ve been Muddy’s 95th birthday, I want to briefly commemorate not only the album, but the man they called “Father of The Chicago Blues” on this special day.
By the time Muddy Waters’ Fathers and Sons was released in the summer of 1969, Neil Armstrong landed on the moon, Woodstock took place and I was still entranced with Elizabeth Montgomery’s role as Samantha in Bewitched… On a sadder note, that was the year I lost my grandfather and almost lost my father when he had a heart attack.
Whenever I drift back to those days, I realize just how remarkable those times really were. But because I was so young, it took a while to fully comprehend its meaning and effect on me. I would later discover that through heartache came new found inspiration. The events and music of the time influenced my interest in writing. And it was albums such as Fathers and Sons that helped generate a personal soundtrack to my past…
Standard Podcast [1:06m]: Muddy Waters
was born McKinley Morganfield on April 4th, 1915 in Rolling Fork, Mississippi. Following the death of his mother in 1918, he would move to Clarksdale Mississippi where he was raised by his grandmother. Waters was a farmer’s son and got his name because he fished and often played in a muddy creek.
Waters singing was influenced by local bluesman Son House and he would learn to play guitar by studying Robert Johnson records. Muddy was the leading promoter of Chicago blues in the fifties. He brought the blues from the Delta making the transition to electric with sounds previously unheard of.
When Muddy moved to Chicago in 1943 he got work in a paper mill. It was during this time he started playing electric guitar and began performing. In 1946 Waters signed with Aristocrat Records. His original Aristocrat recordings did not make much of an impression in the beginning… But Muddy continued to play at the clubs continuously while driving a truck six days a week.
When the Chess Brothers changed Aristocrat to Chess Records in 1948, Waters’ first single on the new label “Rollin’ Stone,” became a major blues hit. Other tunes like “I Can’t Be Satisfied” and “I Feel Like Going Home” from that year would secure his position as a major blues performer. These recordings featured Muddy on electric guitar, writer/producer Willie Dixon on bass, and occasionally Little Walter on harmonica. By the early fifties he was backed by a complete band adding Otis Spann on piano, Jimmie Rodgers on second guitar, and Elgin Evans on drums.
The Tunes Kept Rollin in the Fifties…
“Honey Bee”
“She Moves Me”
“I’m Your Hoochie Coochie Man”
“I Just Wanna Make Love to You”
“I’m Ready”
“Got My Mojo Working”
“Mannish Boy”
The above are shining examples of blues classics that would go to be recorded by many popular rock groups… The Rolling Stones even name themselves after his first single.
Waters also introduced new blues artists as they made their way through his band. Many of these included: Junior Wells, Jimmie Rodgers, James Cotton, and Buddy Guy. He would also be instrumental in the early careers of Howlin’ Wolf and Chuck Berry.
As successful as Muddy Waters was during the fifties, his record sales were for the most part limited to the Mississippi Delta, the New Orleans area and of course Chicago. However, by this time his reputation was internationally known and in the sixties his music began reaching rock listeners. He often appeared at concerts and festivals nationally.
With producer/guitarist Johnny Winter and utilizing members of his bands of the fifties, Waters made three of his best-selling albums, Hard Again, I’m Ready, and King Bee. Winter and Waters performed together regularly in the 70’s and 80’s.
Muddy last public performance was in June 1982 with Eric Clapton. He passed away in 1983 of a heart attack. And in 1987 was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Fathers and Sons
is a fine example of students paying tribute to their hero and father figure of the Chicago blues… Listening to the recording after all these years is like a time machine to the past. It’s a vivid memory that brought me back to that electric blues sound and atmosphere I remember so well while growing up.
Whether your rediscovering your past, or just learning about the blues, I strongly suggest checking this album out. It’s an incredible piece of blues history from experienced artists old and new at the time… You’ll be richer for the experience.
If you have any thoughts or birthday wishes, please feel free to add your comments below.
Happy Easter,
The Blues Blogger
Father and Sons Session Musicians:
Muddy Waters – Vocals and Guitar
Otis Spann – Piano
Mike Bloomfield – Guitar
Paul Butterfield – Harmonica
Donald “Duck” Dunn – Bass
Sam Lay – Drums
With Guests:
Phil Upchurch – Bass on “All Aboard” only
Jeff Carp – Chromatic Harmonica on “All Aboard” only
Paul Asbell – Rhythm Guitar on “Walking Thru The Park”, “Forty Days & Forty Nights” and “Sugar Sweet” only
Buddy Miles – Drums on “Got My Mojo Working, Part Two” only
