On April 30, 1983, legendary blues musician Muddy Waters died in his Westmont, Illinois, home.

Born McKinley Morganfield on April 4, 1915, in Rolling Fork, Mississippi, Muddy Waters is known as the father of Chicago blues. He received his nickname because he liked to play in the puddles along Mississippi River as a child.

In 1943, Waters moved to Chicago and began playing in clubs where his distinct Delta sound was an instant hit. Waters’ use of an electric guitar given to him by an uncle set him apart in Chicago’s blues scene and became a trademark of his sound. He is known for hits like "I'm Your Hoochie Coochie Man" and "Rollin' Stone.”

Waters inspired the British blues explosion in the 1960s and is ranked No. 17 in Rolling Stone magazine's list of the 100 Greatest Artists of All Time.

He died in his sleep from heart failure at age 70.

BET National News - Keep up to date with breaking news stories from around the nation, including headlines from the hip hop and entertainment world. Click here to subscribe to our newsletter. 

Get ready for the BET Experience, featuring Beyoncé, Snoop Dogg, R. Kelly, Erykah Badu, Kendrick Lamar and many more. Go here for more details and info on how to buy tickets.

(Photo:  Paul Natkin/WireImage)