The King Of Chicago Blues

THE KING OF CHICAGO BLUES McKinley Morganfield, universally known as MUDDY WATERS, was a key figure ofthe so-called "Chicago Blues", which marked a turning point in African American music after World War II. The 'new school" introduced blues to a wider audience, whilst making a permanent switch from acoustic to electric guitar Waters (Mississippi, April 4, 1913 - Illinois, April 30, 1983) begun playing the guitar at a very young age, and by 17 had already gained an excellent reputation as a follower of sreat Blues pioneers such as Son House and Robert Johnson. In 1943. at the age of 30, he moved to Chicago where he began his career as a professional musician. In 1947 Waters recorded "Gypsy Woman", the first of a remarkable series of hits, several of which can be heard on this collection. A distinerive element of his records is the frequent presence of an aggressive and more numerous band than is usually found in "classic"blues. Among his collaborators, it is important to remember double bassist Willie Dixon, the author ofman successful songs himself, and more exceptional instrumentalists such as guitarist Jimmy Rogers, harmonica players Little Waler and James Conon, and pianist Otis Spann, who also had success/id careers. From a historical point of view: Water's bands had a great influence on the birth and development of Rock 'n' Roll, both in the USA and abroad. His 1958 tour in Ensland, for example, proved essential to the revival of blues in Europe and inspired the birth and evolution of bands such as The Beailes. The Rolling Stones, The Yardbirds and so on.