Muddy Waters was born McKinley Morganfield on April 4, 1913, in Rolling Fork, Mississippi. He grew up on a cotton plantation and began playing guitar at the age of 17, after selling his last horse, which enabled him to buy his instrument.
He quickly developed a unique style that combined the acoustic blues tradition of the Delta with more modern elements, such as the use of electricity and amplified sound.
In the 1940s, Muddy Waters moved to Chicago, where he was discovered by record producer and blues singer Big Bill Broonzy. Under Broonzy's tutelage, Muddy began recording for Aristocrat Records, which was eventually renamed Chess Records. His recordings for Chess, such as “I Can't Be Satisfied” and “Rollin' Stone,” quickly gained attention and helped popularize electric blues.
Muddy Waters was also known for his ability to discover and nurture new talent. Among the artists he helped launch were Little Walter, Willie Dixon and Howlin' Wolf. His music has also influenced many artists, including the Rolling Stones, who adopted their name from his song ‘Rollin' Stone (and Bob Dylan's song Like a Rolling Stone).
Muddy Waters won numerous awards throughout his career, including seven Grammy Awards. He died on April 30, 1983, but his musical legacy continues to influence artists today.
The album
After Duke Ellington's 1956 album, this is a second album recorded at the Newport Jazz Festival and is one of the most important recordings in blues history. It marked a turning point in Muddy Waters' career and helped popularize the blues to a wider audience.
Muddy Waters' Newport concert came at a time when electric blues was still considered a niche form of music, especially popular with African-Americans in the South. However, Muddy Waters captivated audiences with his energetic, electric interpretation of the blues, which opened up the genre to new horizons.
The album “At Newport” includes some of Muddy Waters' most iconic songs, such as “I Got My Mojo Working” and “Tiger In Your Tank”. These songs were performed with a raw energy and powerful electric sound that thrilled the crowd. The album also captures Muddy Waters' interaction with the audience, as well as the infectious energy of his music.
I'm Your Hoochie Coochie Man
The song begins with the iconic opening line: “The gypsy woman told my mother before I was born, I got a boy child's coming, he's gonna be a son of a gun”. This mystical introduction sets the tone for the song, which is full of voodoo references and symbolism.
I got a black cat bone
I got a mojo too
I got the Johnny Concheroo
I'm gonna mess with you
The song is dominated by the imposing voice of Muddy Waters, who delivers a powerful and passionate vocal performance. He is backed by a group of talented musicians, who create a powerful, electric sound that helped define the electric blues of the era.
“I'm Your Hoochie Coochie Man” is a song that celebrates masculinity and confidence. The lyrics evoke a charismatic and mysterious character who is able to seduce women and solve men's problems. The song became an anthem for many blues fans, who identified with the character of Muddy Waters and his self-confidence.
“I'm Your Hoochie Coochie Man” has also been covered by many artists, including Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton and Chuck Berry. It's a perfect example of how the blues has influenced rock and popular music, and how Muddy Waters' sound has been passed down through the generations.
Where to listen Muddy Waters At Newport ?
- Listen to Muddy Waters At Newport on Spotify
- Listen to Muddy Waters At Newport on Deezer
- Listen to Muddy Waters At Newport on Youtube