His Best: 1947 to 1955

Muddy Waters is the godfather of the blues. His songs have been covered countless times by countless artists.

"I'm Ready," "Mannish Boy," "I Can't Be Satisfied," and others have been recorded time and time again. His legacy is formatively instilled in the history of blues and rock and roll. Dating back to the early 20th century, Waters brought up the country blues from Mississippi to Chicago where Chuck Berry, Muddy Waters and many other greats helped meld it into rock and roll.

This album, recordings from 1947-1955, are superb selections from the artist's catalog. In "Young Fashioned Ways," he states clearly that he still has style no matter what his age. He also says that no one can take his place in his greatness; and this is true. There has not been any other blues artist with as many enduring songs that are still played by blues bands across the country.

Mckinley Morganfield (a mouthful) was his birth name. Muddy Waters: much cooler. Initially, the move from Mississippi to Chicago (where the blues was exploding) was a failed attempt. But after returning a second time to Chicago, he succeeded in getting on the Chess Records label with the help of friends such as: blues folk guitarist Big Bill Broonzy, Willie Dixon and Big Joe Williams.

This album is a great introduction to the blues legend. His songs, "She Moves Me," "Hoochie Coochie Man," "Baby Please Don't Go" and others can be changed in form endless different ways. Whether it is blues, rock and roll or folk music, Waters clearly put his foot down in his time, giving everyone else the signal to take notice.