ROOTS AND BLUES

A captivating documentary celebrating the legendary Muddy Waters and the significance of the Muddy Waters MOJO Museum

Film Synopsis: Roots and Blues

Roots and Blues is a powerful documentary that delves into the extraordinary life and enduring legacy of Muddy Waters—born McKinley Morganfield—the father of modern Chicago blues. From his humble beginnings in the Mississippi Delta to becoming a global icon, Muddy’s journey is the embodiment of the American Dream: a testament to resilience, creativity, and the transformative power of music.

Set against the backdrop of Chicago’s vibrant South Side, the film explores how Muddy’s groundbreaking sound shaped not only the blues but also the foundation of rock and roll, soul, and countless genres that followed. His influence resonates through the music of legendary artists like The Rolling Stones, Eric Clapton, and generations of musicians worldwide.

At the heart of this story is the Muddy Waters MOJO Museum, located in the historic landmark at 4339 South Lake Park Avenue. This was the first home Muddy ever owned, and it quickly became more than just a house—it was a sanctuary for creativity and collaboration. Blues legends, musicians, and entertainers gathered in the basement for impromptu jam sessions that would go on to define a sound now recognized around the world.

The museum, set to become a cultural center in Chicago, will serve as a beacon for aspiring musicians and music lovers alike. It will offer a space to learn, create, and be inspired, surrounded by the echoes of Chicago’s original electric blues. Here, visitors will stand where history was made—immersed in the same energy that once sparked Muddy’s musical revolution.

Roots and Blues not only tells Muddy Waters’ personal story but highlights his monumental place in American history and culture. This film is a celebration of his legacy, the city that embraced him, and the global influence of the Chicago blues.

Roots and Blues invites viewers to understand why Muddy Waters’ story is forever woven into the fabric of American history.

Executive Producer's Statement

As Muddy Waters’ great-granddaughter, I carry not just a family legacy but a profound responsibility to share the story of a man whose music reshaped music around the world. Roots and Blues isn’t just about Muddy’s extraordinary life; it’s about the foundation he built for modern music and the global influence of the Chicago Blues. From the cotton fields of the Mississippi Delta to the electric pulse of Chicago’s South Side, Muddy’s journey embodies the very essence of the American Dream—a story of hard work, perseverance, and rising above adversity to leave an indelible mark on history.

His sound carried the voice of generations who turned struggle into art and hardship into rhythm. His music didn’t just influence blues—it laid the groundwork for rock and roll, soul, and countless genres that followed, inspiring legends like The Rolling Stones, Eric Clapton, and generations of artists who continue to draw from his energy.

The Muddy Waters MOJO Museum stands as a living testament to this legacy. It’s not just a place—it’s a movement that preserves the roots of the blues while inspiring future generations to recognize the depth of their cultural inheritance. Muddy Waters is not only part of music history but American history—a symbol of how creativity, passion, and determination can shape global culture.

Roots and Blues is a celebration of history, culture, and the enduring power of music to connect us all. I hope viewers walk away with a deeper understanding of Muddy Waters’ global impact, his place in the American Dream, and why the Museum is significant.

Chandra Cooper

Executive Producer and Co-Director

Roots and Blues