Muddy Waters - Hard Again

The album was produced by the legendary blues guitarist Johnny Winter. Released in 1977 on the Blue Sky Records label, this partnership marked a massive return to Waters' traditional, heavy electric Chicago blues roots. Winter played guitar on the record and drove the raw, high-energy production that revitalized Waters' career.

While every track is considered a classic, "Mannish Boy" is undoubtedly the standout hit from the album. It is a powerful, roaring answer song to Bo Diddley's "I'm a Man." This track is famous for its one-chord rhythmic drive, Muddy's legendary vocal delivery, and the energetic backing harmonica of James Cotton.

Yes, the album won the Grammy Award for Best Ethnic or Traditional Folk Recording in 1978. This award was a major validation for Muddy Waters after spending the previous few years struggling with commercially unsuccessful, psychedelic rock albums like "Electric Mud." It firmly re-established him as the undisputed king of the blues.

The album features a murderers' row of blues royalty, including guitarist Bob Margolin, piano legend Pinetop Perkins, and the iconic harmonica player James Cotton. The legendary blues bassist Willie "Big Eyes" Smith played drums, while Luther "Guitar Junior" Johnson rounded out the rhythm section. This ensemble perfectly captured the authentic, vintage Chess Records sound.