Influenced by Mississippi Delta pioneers Son House and Robert Johnson, Muddy Waters would go on to be described as The Father Of Chicago Blues, the city to which he first moved in 1940, while still in his mid-twenties.

In 1960, his amazing performance at the Newport Jazz Festival turned on whole new generation to his brand of electrified blues and his influence can be felt from The Rolling Stones and Jimi Hendrix right through to contemporary hip-hop. A true legend.

Listen: Muddy Waters - Mannish Boy (live 1971)

Your votes:

“Muddy, Muddy, Muddy, Muddy, Muddy, Muddy, Muddy, Muddy, Muddy, Muddy, Muddy, Muddy, Muddy, Muddy, Muddy, Muddy, Muddy, Muddy, Muddy, Muddy, Muddy, Muddy, Muddy, Muddy. That's a vote for Muddy Waters, not a description of my dog.” (Thanks, thebeagle)

“Muddy Waters.” (Thanks, Gallagher)

“The alternative family tree goes back to Muddy Waters, whose roots where in the Delta style and used more slide and alternate tuning techniques. So, for some players they could trace their style back to him.” (Thanks, erictheweary)

“Peter Green, BB King, Muddy Waters .. the list is endless.” (Thanks, Fretwired)

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