Waters, real name McKinley Morganfield, is widely considered one of the most influential figures in blues and rock-and-roll in the U.S. and globally. His legacy has gone on to inspire artists across generations from Jeff Beck and Jimmy Page to Eric Clapton, Mick Jagger and countless others.
“Muddy Waters was without a doubt one of the most impactful songwriters in modern music,” echoed Sony Music Publishing Chairman and CEO Jon Platt in a statement. “His vibrant, expressive sound is embodied in music today and continues to inspire generations. We look forward to working with the Muddy Waters Estate to build upon its enduring songwriting legacy.”
Estate representative Mercy Morganfield added: “On behalf of Muddy Waters’ family we take great comfort in knowing that this incredible catalog of music is going to be in the hands of Jon Platt and his team at Sony. My father’s legacy is a vital part of not only musical history but American history. Making sure future generations are aware of the way blues legends like Dad, Howling Wolf, BB King, John Lee Hooker, Buddy Guy and so many others have shaped other genres of music from Rock and Roll to Hip-Hop is so important. We don’t want these names to get lost in history and in the telling and retelling of their stories. I believe we have a partner in Sony who can help keep that flame alive and expand our reach, giving my father his rightful place in music history, a place we all believe he and so many others deserve. I am looking forward to the work ahead.”
Two years after the death of Muddy Waters, the city of Chicago paid tribute to him by designating the one-block section between 900 and 1000 East 43rd Street near his former home on the south side “Honorary Muddy Waters Drive”. In 2017, a ten stories-mural commissioned as a part of the Chicago Blues Festival and designed by Brazilian artist Eduardo Kobra was painted on the side of the building at 17 North State Street, at the corner of State and Washington Streets. The Chicago suburb of Westmont, where he lived the last decade of his life, named a section of Cass Avenue near his home “Honorary Muddy Waters Way”.
In 2008, a Mississippi Blues Trail marker has been placed in Clarksdale, Mississippi, by the Mississippi Blues Commission designating the site of Muddy Waters’ cabin. He also received a plaque on the Clarksdale Walk of Fame.
Muddy Waters’ Chicago Home in the Kenwood neighborhood is in the process of being named a Chicago Landmark.
Muddy won 6 Grammy Awards for Best Ethnic Or Traditional Folk Recording between 1972 and 1980.
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame listed four songs of Muddy Waters among the 500 Songs That Shaped Rock and Roll- Rolling Stone(1950), Hoochie Coochie Man (1954), Mannish Boy (1954) and Got My Mojo Working (1954).
