Chicago Dedicating Massive Mural To Blues Icon Muddy Waters

By Stephen Gossett in Arts & Entertainment on Jun 7, 2017 3:40PM

Chicago hasn't always done the best job of honoring its second-to-none blues legacy, but there's been some progress lately. The latest instance ties into another one of the city's great cultural forms, public art. On Thursday, the city will dedicate a huge new mural downtown to Chicago blues legend Muddy Waters.

Nine stories tall, the mural looms over the corner of State and Washington streets. Created by noted Brazilian street-art figure Eduardo Korba, the bold, multi-color work will be dedicated on Thursday at noon by the City of Chicago and the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events. The Muddy Waters Legacy Band will perform at the free event. The dedication precedes the city's annual Blues Fest, which hits Millennium Park from Friday through Sunday.

In 1943, Waters moved to Chicago, where he was perhaps the most pivotal figure in pioneering the city's iconic electric blues sound. His seminal records include "Hoochie Coochie Man," "I Just Want to Make Love to You" and "I'm Ready."

Related: Chicago Is Finally Getting Its Long-Overdue Blues Museum, Right In The Loop