THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

596-Muddy Waters-Hoochie Coochie Man.

1954-It has never charted in the UK.

Best Bit-At 0.01. I could tell you what a ‘Hoochie Coochie’ is, but it’s probably best you don’t know, but I’ll tell you anyway.

‘Hoochie Coochie Man’ was written by Willie Dixon, who was born William James Dixon, on July 1st, 1915, in Vicksburg, Mississippi, United States, he died on January 29th, 1992, primarily as a result of long term diabetes, at the age of 76. Willie Dixon is recognised as an important link between the ‘Blues,’ and ‘Rock and Roll,’ which in turn would then lead on to the era of ‘Rock Music.’ In the late 1950’s he worked alongside ‘Blues,’ and ‘Rock ‘N Roll’ legends, including Chuck Berry, (1926-2017) (see also best songs 548-308 and 30) Bo Diddley, (1928-2008) (see also best songs 381) Muddy Waters, (1913-1983) and Little Walter, (1930-1968) at the ‘Chess Record’ label, where he would become that labels primary songwriter, eventually going on to write or co-write, in excess of 500 songs during his career. Many of Willie Dixon’s songs have become ‘Blues’ standards, and have been covered by artists in the ‘Rock’ era. His song ‘Little Red Rooster,’ was covered by the Rolling Stones in 1964, and reached Number 1 in the UK. Other famous songs written by Willie Dixon include, ‘I Just Want to Make Love to You, (1954) and ‘You Can’t Judge a Book by the Cover’ (1962.) His song ‘You Need Love,’ (1962) was a big inspiration for Led Zeppelin, on their 1969 track ‘Whole Lotta Love’ (see also best songs 135.) The discography of Willie Dixon includes 22 official Albums released between 1959-2008.

Muddy Waters was born McKinley Morganfield, in Issaquena County, Mississippi, United States, there is a debate about his actual date of birth, but it was probably April 4th, 1913, he died on April 30th, 1983, from heart failure, at the age of 70. His mother died shortly after his birth, and he was brought up by his grandmother Della Grant, who gave him his nickname ‘Muddy’ at an early age, because he loved to play in muddy waters, ‘Waters’ was added years later. Like Willie Dixon, Muddy Waters is considered to be a pivotal figure in the post World War II ‘Blues Music’ scene, being called the ‘Father of modern Chicago Blues.’ His influence can be heard in the music of some of the biggest names of the 1960’s, including the Rolling Stones, Eric Clapton, and Jeff Beck (1944-2023.) The discography of Muddy Waters includes 13 studio Albums released between 1960-1981, he has also appeared on a further 17 Albums as an accompanist, that have been issued between 1961-2007, there are also in excess of 25 official compilation Albums, and in excess of nine live Albums available. Muddy Waters released 62 singles between 1941-1977, and has also appeared as an accompanist on a further 20, between 1948-1958.

According to the music writer and critic Michael John ‘Cub’ Koda, (1948-2000) of the American monthly popular culture magazine ‘Rolling Stone,’ ‘Hoochie Coochie Man’ has ‘The most recognisable blues lick in the world.’ ‘Hoochie Coochie Man’ is a ‘Chicago Blues’ song written by Willie Dixon, and first recorded by Muddy Waters in 1954, with the production being by Leonard Chess (1917-1969.) The lyrics deal with superstitions, and mysticism, that has been passed on down through the generations, with the narrator telling us that even before he was born, that a ‘Gypsy woman told my momma,’ that he was ‘Gonna make those pretty women jump and shout.’ The term ‘Hoochie Coochie’ was first used in the mid to late 1800’s, to describe several provocative ‘belly dances.’ In America, specifically in African/American culture, a ‘Hoochie Coochie’ refers to the genitals of a drunken woman, the phrase is derived from the term ‘Hooch,’ which is a slang word for alcohol, while ‘Coochie,’ is a slang word for a woman’s genitals.

‘Hoochie Coochie Man’ can be filed under the musical genre of ‘Chicago Blues,’ which is a form of ‘Blues’ music that developed in Chicago, Illinois, United States, in the 1950’s. ‘Chicago Blues’ is based on traditional ‘Blues’ such as ‘Delta Blues,’ which had originated in the early part of the 20th Century in the Mississipi Delta, but the key feature that distinguish ‘Chicago Blues’ from the earlier traditions, is the prominent use of electrified instruments, especially the electric guitar, and especially the use of electronic effects, such as distortion and overdrive. ‘Chicago Blues’ has proved to be one of the most significant influences on early Rock Music.

‘On the seventh hour, of the seventh day, on the seventh month, the seventh doctor said, he’s born for good luck, and I know you see. Got seven hundred dollars, and don’t you mess with me.’