"Folk Singer" is an album by blues musician Muddy Waters, released in 1964. The record is often referenced as his fourth studio album and is distinctive amongst his discography due to its acoustic, folk-influenced style, a departure from the electric, amplified sound for which Waters was widely renowned. This change was largely due to the influence of folk revival music, hence resulting in a deeper blues feel with unplugged instruments. On the creation of the album, Waters was collaborated with skilled musicians including Buddy Guy on guitar, Willie Dixon on bass, and Clifton James on drums.
It features Waters' renditions of classic blues standards, along with original songs. Waters aimed to attract the attention of the growing folk revival audience with this release. Despite initial mixed critical response, the album has since gained notoriety as a groundbreaking work and has been reissued multiple times. Beyond its historical value, Folk Singer is noted for its stunning audio fidelity, which captures the intimate acoustic setting and intricate details of the performances. As well as offering a testament to Waters' adaptability as a musician, Folk Singer stands as an essential album in the blues and folk music canon.
Upon release, it wasn't as commercially successful as Waters's previous releases. However, over the years, it has received critical acclaim for its pure and influential music, and it is now considered a classic and a crucial album in Muddy Waters' catalog. Two particular stand-outs on the album are "My Home Is in the Delta" and "Good Morning School Girl."
