“My blues are so simple, but so few people can play it right.“
- Name: McKinley Morganfield (Stage name: Muddy Waters)
- Born: April 4, 1913
- Died: April 30, 1983 (Age 70)
- From: Issaquena County, Mississippi
- Occupation: Musician
- Awards: Muddy Waters was nominated for 11 Grammys, and won 6 (Grammy Award for Best Ethnic or Traditional Folk Recording 1972, 1973, 1975, 1978, 1979, 1980), Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, Grammy Hall of Fame
- Fun Fact: Muddy Waters purchased his first guitar at age 17 for $2.50, by selling the last horse they had at their cabin.
Muddy Waters was an American blues singer-songwriter and musician who was an important figure in the post-war blues scene, and is often cited as the “father of modern Chicago blues”. His sound reflected the optimism of postwar African Americans. As opposed to many other blues artists at the time singing sad blues, Muddy Waters always gave what was described as “a little pep” in his music.
Handout
To download the Handout:
- Click on the image
- Right-click and select Save Image As…
- Write a description on the line and decorate.
- Cut out and use for a selfie to share on our social media page.
- Download a card and envelope template and write about an idea this leader inspires.
- Check out more resources and ways to celebrate MLK can be found on these links as well as our official Day of Service opportunity to volunteer.
This ASI Special event is an ongoing volunteer-led project made by people like you, using multiple educational sources regularly being revised and updated. We would love your assistance if you or your group would like to get involved, learn more here.