Big Bill Morganfield
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William "Big Bill" Morganfield (born 19 June 1956, Chicago, Illinois[1]) is an American blues singer and guitarist, son of blues legend Muddy Waters (whose real name was McKinley Morganfield).
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[edit] Career
Morganfield was born in Chicago, raised in Southern Florida and now lives in Atlanta, Georgia. He came to music later in life, having first worked as a teacher after earning bachelors degrees in English from Tuskegee University and Communications from Auburn University. Signed to Blind Pig Records, he began releasing albums in 1999. Morganfield's debut album, Rising Son, was released to popular and critical acclaim.[2] The magazine Guitar Player expressed their belief that Morganfield's album would have brought a smile to his father's face.[2] In 2000, he won the W.C. Handy Award for Best New Blues Artist.[2]
Morganfield recorded Rising Son in Chicago, the site of many of Waters' recording sessions. Bob Margolin, Waters' guitarist, served as record producer and also appeared on the album. Featured were several of Waters' bandmates, including: drummer Willie "Big Eyes" Smith, pianist Pinetop Perkins, and harmonica player Paul Oscher. Also in attendance was blues bassist Robert Stroger, an ex-member of Sunnyland Slim's band.[2] In 1999 Morganfield appeared at the San Francisco Blues Festival.
Ramblin' Mind, Morganfield's second album, featured an appearance by Taj Mahal on two songs, which also featured Billy Branch on harmonica. Mahal also contributed his original composition "Strong Man Holler" to the album. One of Waters' songs, "You're Gonna Miss Me," was also included.[2]
In concert Morganfield performs his own material with an occasional number from his father's work. In 2007 he headlined the Red Bank Jazz & Blues Festival.
[edit] Album discography
- 1999 - Rising Son
- 2001 - Ramblin' Mind
- 2005 - Blues in the Blood
