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Song Story

Got My Mojo Working

Muddy Waters first heard this song in 1956 while touring with a young R&B singer named Ann Cole, who was performing it in her set. Recognizing a hit, Muddy took Preston Foster's tune to Chess Records and entirely remade...

RecordedLate 1956/Early 1957, Chess Studios, Chicago
LabelChess
Show PlacementShow 7 (track order 22)

Muddy Waters first heard this song in 1956 while touring with a young R&B singer named Ann Cole, who was performing it in her set. Recognizing a hit, Muddy took Preston Foster's tune to Chess Records and entirely remade it. Backed by his powerhouse band including James Cotton on a chugging harmonica, Muddy cranked up the tempo and leaned hard into Louisiana hoodoo imagery. "Got My Mojo Working" didn't top the charts upon release, but its high-energy rhythm quickly made it Muddy's ultimate show-closing signature song worldwide.