Live at the Checkerboard Lounge

I was awakened at 2 a.m. this morning to an intimate blues get together broadcast on PBS Channel 13. The show starred Muddy Waters at Buddy Guy’s Checkerboard Lounge on the South Side of Chicago. The show was filmed on November 22, 1981 (31 years ago). The Rolling Stones had stopped by to gig and see their friend and hero Muddy Waters.

They are accompanied onstage by such blues luminaries as Junior Wells on vocals and harp, Buddy Guy and Lefty Dizz on blues guitar. Mick Jagger, Keith Richards and Ronnie Wood were like three sons returning home to see their Father at Thanksgiving time. Muddy seemed really happy to have his children by his side.

The club was very small. I watched in amazement as Keith Richards and Ronnie Wood climbed on top of the tables and took the stage. Muddy Waters was in great form performing many of his blues classics. Mick Jagger sang along with total reverence for Muddy and his infamous blues songs.

The highlight for me was “Champagne and Reefer”. I love the scene where Muddy Waters is handed a marijuana stalk with fresh green buds. He just laughs as we all do at that point 😉

Gimme champagne when I get thirsty

Gimme a reefer when I want to get high

I must get this CD/DVD set. I so love and miss Muddy Waters :). I am so thankful this historic occasion is captured on film for us to relive and enjoy.

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• Muddy Waters: Hoochie Coochie Man (milkandcookies.com)