Muddy Waters - Got My Mojo Workin'

McKinley Morganfield aka Muddy Waters (1913-1983), was an American blues musician, often considered the Father of Modern Chicago Blues. He was born in Issaquena County, MS and raised by his Grandmother Della Grant. His birthplace and birth year are often disputed among historians. Muddy himself stated that he was born in Rolling Fork, MS in 1915. His mother died 3 years after his birth. He started playing the harmonica as a child and picked up the guitar around age seventeen. He is known best for his thick and heavy voice that fit perfectly with his firm personality. He picked up the nickname "Muddy" at an early age due to his fondness for playing in the mud. He had great success throughout his career, but was put on the backshelf by the Chess label for the better part of 20 years. He returned to the studio and recorded a London Sessions in 1972 with Rory Gallagher (Taste), Steve Winwood (Blind Faith/Traffic), Rick Grech (Blind Faith/Traffic/Gram Parsons), and Mitch Mitchell (Jimi Hendrix Experience/The Who), but their playing wasn't up to his standards. He also helped Chuck Berry get a recording contract. This blues legend died in his sleep at his home in Westmont, IL in 1983. This tune is "Got My Mojo Working" written by Preston Foster and first recorded by Ann Cole in 1956.

http://www.muddywaters.com/

Smelly Dog

*The results are in from the January poll "Most Memorable Death of 2010" and the results were less than statistical. Mark Linkous who received no votes was from the band Sparklehorse. He sadly took his own life by shooting himself in the heart at age 47.