School Days: Good Morning Little School Girl

Muddy Waters: Good Morning Little School Girl

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Sometimes, a musician becomes known for not only his own artistry, but also the quality of the musicians he draws into his orbit; these musicians get their start or reach the height of their craft while working in his band. For British blues-rock in the 1960s, that musician was John Mayall. In Jazz, over an amazing span of years, it was Miles Davis. And you can not discuss the Chicago blues scene of the 1950s without discussing Muddy Waters.

Waters was originally recorded by Alan Lomax in his home of Mississippi, playing acoustic delta blues. But, like so many of his fellows, Muddy Waters came to Chicago in the post World War II migration. On arrival, he plugged in his guitar, and became a legend. Just a few of the musicians who came through his bands were: Little Walter, Willie Dixon, Howlin’ Wolf. These musicians defined the sound of Chicago blues. Later, he would work with and influence Johnny Winter and Paul Butterfield, just to name two.

“Good Morning Little School Girl” is a blues classic. Originally written by Sonny Boy Williamson, there are countless cover versions. Here is another take on the tune, by Mississippi Fred McDowell.

Mississippi Fred McDowell: Good Morning Little School Girl

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