We would like to warn our readers that there is a word in Joe’s story that most find offensive, but we think it’s important that his story runs in its entirety.
I was born on April 14, 1964 in Chicago, Illinois. I am the youngest son of the world-famous Muddy Waters. As a young boy, together with my brothers Big Bill and Larry, we lived, traveled, and performed in the Blues.
Growing up, I learned to play guitar from my father, as well as his guitarist, Bob Margolin. My first encounter with racism was when our family moved to Westmont from the Southside of Chicago. It was also the first time I had been around white people. There weren’t a lot of episodes, but it was there. I can remember 5th grade and the kids would all pile on top of each other, goofing around, and one student called it a nigger pile. As I got older, dating also became a challenge. Some of the girls who liked me weren’t allowed to date me because of their parent’s beliefs. I learned to deal with it and tried to not let it define me.
I attended Westmont High School and played on the basketball team. In one specific game, the guy who was guarding me called me nigger the entire game. I guess he was trying to throw me off. But it didn’t work. I ended that game scoring 30 points and won a basketball scholarship to study Communications at the University of Northern Iowa! I put music behind me—temporarily—while playing college basketball.
Soon after, I took up music once again booking clubs and music festivals in both Chicago and all around the United States. I plan to perform in Europe soon. I have performed onstage with Grammy award winners including Don Was, Jamey Johnson, and Warren Haynes at The Chicago Theater playing The Last Waltz. I’ve enjoyed sharing a stage with my brother Big Bill Morganfield at The Chicago Blues Festival. In 2019, I opened for Bad Company featuring Paul Rogers and on the stage at The Chicago Blues Festival with The Mannish Boyz.
I am an Inductee in the prestigious Chicago Blues Hall of Fame. I attend many public events on behalf of my father, Muddy Waters, to keep his name and the legacy of the Blues alive.
I am an Ambassador. I am a Supporter. I am a Promoter. I am a Black Man.
Barb Lewallen-Kennedy
I am proud to know Joe & call him friend. I am sorry he had to endure such racism during school. He truly was & is the sweetest guy I know! Keep singing Joe. You can rest assured your dad smiling down on you!
Kevin Harvey
Thank you for sharing your story. My hope and prayer is that people in the US and Canada at least will really start to think about what it’s like to empathize with others. Whether that’s human beings to human beings.. Law-enforcement with civilians civilians with law-enforcement etc.
We are all one race. The human race. But we are all equally flawed and messed up and need to learn how to listen and respect one another. And I am grateful that you are in the position that you are in. you have a wonderful opportunity because of your musical heritage and just who you are.
Keep up the good work. Fight the good fight. Thank you for keeping the spotlight on your father and on blues music. God bless you and stay safe and stay strong
Oscar Wilson
Hey little bruh ! I was born 11 years earlier than you on 43rd st. It was integrated. My family was the first big black family to move on 43rd & Wells! So I know the feeling .
Maybe we can rap a taste sometimes.
Hold your head high!
Take care Joseph.
Oh yeah! Keep it Bluesy!
Jim Munding
Please keep the stories coming about your dad. I am a blues man 100% and he is my favorite. Did he sing and play at home? Do you listen to his music often? I know a couple members of your family and Muddy would be proud of all of you…..Thanks for a great story.
Carol Lynn Williams
Joseph you are one of the nicest person I know. I don’t care what color you are at all. Your a human being like everone else! You deserve respect and honor. Keep your fathers legacy alive!! Know that you are loved by many.
Susie Bluesy Q
Mojo! Your modelling of what respect looks like can be seen (and learned!) by the digital footprint you leave behind in faithfully – and genuinely! – responding to ALL fan comments, reaction and emojis so consistent and mannerly. Your example will live on just as powerfully as Pop’s!
Brian Moyer
Mojo! You are a good man and a friend! I enjoyed meeting you for the first time at the Chess Records studio that night with the Cash Box Kings. I will never forget when the Cash Box Kings were starting their sound check and I grabbed one of my harps and jumped on a “hot” mic. Oscar Wilson was singing and you walked in the door and stood there smiling and said “You guys sound good!” Then everyone took their seats and you sat down next to me. Then Joe Nosek or, Oscar Wilson introduced you to the audience and I was floored after you sang “Blow, Wind Blow”! You are the real deal and a class act. Then of course watched you perform at the Chicago Blues Festival and met your sister Mercy and she is a sweetheart. I hope your new CD blows the roof off the house!
Tammy Johnson
Who couldn’t love Joe Morganfield? ❤️
You make it easy!
Keep it bluesy!