McKinley Morganfield, better known across music land as Muddy Waters, was the father of Chicago Blues (his nickname was inspired by his affinity for mud puddles). Armed with his electric guitar and greatly inspired by Son House, he was an inspiration for countless blues, R & B, and rock musicians spanning generations. Though he paved his early way across the Delta, it was upon his move to Chicago in 1943 that Waters really hit his stride, aligning himself with Chess Records and enjoying widespread musical prominence. His music had influence on a global scale; it's well known that the Rolling Stones named themselves after the title of one of his hits. With his band, Waters churned out a string of hits in the 1950s, including "Hoochie Coochie Man," "I'm Ready," and "I Just Want to Make Love to You." He continued to play the blues until his death in 1983.
