McKinley Morganfield ( April 4 , 1913 -- April 30 , 1983 ) , or Muddy Waters , was an American blues musician and is considered `` the Father of Chicago blues '' . McKinley Morganfield ( April 4 , 1913-April 30 , 1983 ) , known as Muddy Waters , was an American blues musician , generally considered the Father of modern Chicago blues .