MUDDY WATERS EXHIBIT AND MUSICAL TRIBUTE ON JULY 10 IN WESTMONT, ILLINOIS
MORGANFIELD FAMILY IN ATTENDANCE
FOR STREET DEDICATION AND DEBUT OF HISTORICAL EXHIBIT
Not everybody knows it, but the Godfather of the Blues lived the last 10
years of his life, and the most successful years of his career, in Westmont,
Illinois. In the early 70's, Muddy "McKinley Morganfield" Waters wanted to
move out of Chicago and specifically chose Westmont for he and his family.
"Muddy was so fond of Westmont," says Waters' former manager Scott Cameron.
"Westmont was his town. He talked about it wherever he toured." Longtime
Muddy guitarist Bob Margolin says that Muddy referred to the area as "God'
Country".
And Muddy often brought the tour back to Westmont. Johnny Winter, who
produced several of Waters' albums, often visited Muddy at his home.
Margolin used to spend the night at Muddy's home. Eric Clapton even visited
Muddy in Westmont and was his Best Man in a back yard wedding ceremony. And
every time The Rolling Stones, who named themselves after a Muddy Waters
song, came to Chicago, they would send a limo out to Westmont trying to
court Muddy into the city for a jam.
During the past decade, Westmont has indirectly paid tribute to Waters by
featuring blues music on the final night of their annual Taste of Westmont
summer festival. This year, they're making it official.
On Thursday, July 7, 10am, One South Cass Avenue, there will be a VIP/Media
debut of a new Muddy Waters Historical Exhibit and the official
re-dedication of Cass Avenue as Honorary Muddy Waters Way. The exhibit will
feature many one-of-a-kind artifacts on loan from Scott Cameron and the
Muddy Waters Estate including rare photos, musical recordings, several of
Muddy's outfits, and even one of Muddy's Grammy Awards. The exhibit will be
open to the public July 8, 9 and 10, 4-7 p.m., as well as various dates to
be announced through the rest of the year.
"Mud would be very proud," says Marva Morganfield, Muddy's widow. "He would
be overjoyed." Marva will be traveling from Florida to take part in the
tribute.
Sunday, July 10 has been proclaimed "Muddy Waters Blues Night" at the Taste
of Westmont. Live blues music will be played throughout the day and the
evening will conclude with a performance by a Muddy Waters Tribute Band
featuring former members of Muddy's band including John Primer and Rick
Kreher. Special guests will include Smokey Smothers, Arthur Duncan and
more.
"We're very excited about this event!" says Larry McIntyre, Westmont Special
Events Corporation (WSEC) President. "Muddy Waters is a true legend in
American music and we could not be more proud to honor his name, his music
and his memory."
The WSEC is also working to create a documentary featuring Waters' life and
music. "We are scheduled to interview many people including musicians,
friends, family and more," says McIntyre. The Westmont Historical Society
encourages anyone who would like to share their Muddy Waters stories,
pictures and memorabilia, to please contact the WSEC at 630-417-0280.
For more information regarding The Muddy Waters Tribute, call 630-829-WEST
or email lmcintyre@westmont.il.gov. You can also check out our website at
www.westmont.il.gov and click on the special
events link.
