The Real Folk Blues

Personnel: Muddy Waters (vocals, guitar); Jimmy Rogers, Pat Hare, Pee Wee Madison, Sammy Lawhorn (guitar); Otis Spann, Sunnyland Slim (piano); Little Walter (harmonica); Willie Dixon, Andrew Stephenson, Ransom Knowling, Big Crawford (bass); Francey Clay, Odie Payne (drums). Recorded in Chicago from 1947-1964. Includes liner notes by Willie Dixon & Cary Baker. Originally released in 1966, at the height of the popularity of the blues among young white audiences, this aptly-titled 12-track compilation delivers exactly what it promises. Recorded at the legendary Chess Studios at 2120 S. Michigan Ave in Chicago between 1947 and 1964, this collection captures the best work of singer-guitarist Muddy Waters (McKinley Morganfield), possibly the greatest of the Chicago-style (meaning electric and most often accompanied by a full band) blues performers. Muddy is here backed by such legends as pianist Otis Spann and harmonica player Little Walter. He wrote and recorded an endless stream of classic blues sides, including "Mannish Boy," "Gypsy Woman," and "You Can't Lose What You Never Had," as well as a handful of tracks by the equally legendary producer Willie Dixon, like "Same Thing" and "Walking Blues." A better introduction to Chicago-style blues is tough to find.