Muddy Waters

Active from the 1940s to the 1980s, the influence of Muddy Waters on American blues music and on rock & roll cannot be overstated. He created the very first all-electric band. His dark, energetic voice and his sharp, cutting guitar sound set the stage for all blues-rock that followed. Both the Rolling Stones and Rolling Stone magazine are named for one of his signature songs. Other major songs include “Deep Down In Florida,” “Mannish Boy,” and “I Feel Like Going Home.” Keith Richards, Eric Clapton, and Stevie Ray Vaughn are among his musical descendants.