"The Real Folk Blues" is an album by American blues musician Muddy Waters, released in 1966. The album is a collection of his recordings that were previously not made available. Each track on the album was produced by one of the legends in blues music, Leonard and Phil Chess. It features some of the musician's famous works, including "Mannish Boy," "Can't Get No Grindin'," and "You Can't Lose What You Never Had."
The album leans heavily on traditional folk and country blues, but also incorporating elements of Chicago blues. The combination underscores Water's extraordinary versatility and matchless aptitude. It also echoes the boom of the folk music revival during its release time.
Muddy Waters, born as McKinley Morganfield, was a significant figure in the post-war blues scene. He's well-recognized for his use of electric guitar—a move that played a pivotal role in the development of blues, and has been influential within both the blues and rock genre. Despite its title, "The Real Folk Blues" isn't purely folk but serves as a testament to Water's far-reaching influence. The album is an essential collection not just for Muddy Waters fans, but for anyone interested in the history and development of blues music.
While it doesn't take on the artistic exploration found in Waters' other releases, it does offer a representative taste of his work from that era. The album gained positive reception from critics and fans alike, solidifying Waters' place in history as one of the truly great blues musicians.
