“Blue legend Muddy Waters bought his first home on Chicago’s South Side in 1954 and turned it into a rehearsal space for fellow musicians like Chuck Berry, Buddy Guy and Howlin’ Wolf. Now, his family plans to convert the building at 4339 S. Lake Park Ave. into a museum in his honor.
“Reset talks to Muddy’s great granddaughter, Chandra Cooper, about her family’s legacy and the push for landmark status.
“GUEST: Chandra Cooper, Muddy Waters’ granddaughter and MOJO Museum president” (Ward, Block Club Chicago, 10/21/21)
We’re thrilled that the long-endangered Muddy Waters home finally has the protection and recognition that it deserves. Bravo to Chandra Cooper for her dedication in face of adversity and her fierce love for this important element of Chicago’s cultural heritage. Chicago collectively owes you a debt of gratitude for your efforts. We will continue to support this effort until the MOJO Museum celebrates its grand opening.
Preservation Chicago has worked very closely with neighborhood preservation partners and has played a strong role in supporting the effort to protect and landmark the Muddy Waters home. Additionally, our petition with nearly 33 thousand signatures and other efforts played a decisive role in blocking the proposed House Museum Ban ordinance that would have been devastating for emerging house museums like the Muddy Waters home, and scores of arts and cultural centers across Chicago. We continue to advocate for a Chicago Jazz, Blues, and Gospel Thematic Landmark District that would recognize and protect the places and spaces where Chicago musicians made history.