Larry McIntyre created the Muddy Waters Exhibit in Westmont, Illinois and gives tours. I highly recommend checking out the humble room located inside the Westmont Center. It contains over 60 unique Muddy Waters artifacts, most donated by his third wife Marva Jean Brooks. Waters relocated to Westmont from Chicago’s South Side in 1973 and died in his Westmont home April 30th, 1983.
Upon entering, you will see Muddy’s suit jackets on hangers and artist drawn photos in the style of Andy Warhol. I learned Muddy wore the bright orange jacket for his “King Bee” record cover. “King Bee” was his final studio album released in May 1981 produced by Johnny Winter. Winter revived Waters’ career in the late 70’s, producing his final three records.
The highlight of the tour is Muddy’s Grammy Award which he won for “The London Muddy Waters Session” in 1972. The Grammy reads Best Ethnic/Traditional Recording as the Blues category had yet to be created.
Other unique artifacts from the tour include Muddy Water’s Westmont music business cards, an honorary Westmont Road sign, his vintage black leather dress shoes, records and albums, and a very rare photo of Chuck Berry with Muddy.
The Muddy Waters Exhibit is an important little museum worth checking out, and we are all indebted to Larry McIntyre for creating and keeping it alive. To schedule a visit with Larry, contact the Westmont Special Events office at here or call 630-829-9378. The Westmont Center is located at 1 S Cass Ave, Westmont, IL 60559.
