MOJO BUFORD

Biography

George 'Mojo' Buford (November 10, 1929 – October 11, 2011) was an influential American blues harmonica player, best known for his long association with Muddy Waters. Born in Hernando, Mississippi, Buford moved to Memphis as a youth, where he was inspired by blues legends such as B.B. King and Little Walter. He began playing harmonica at age twelve and, after a brief stay in Cleveland, relocated to Chicago in the early 1950s. There, he formed The Savage Boys, which soon gained the attention of Muddy Waters and became known as the Muddy Waters Jr. Band, substituting for Waters at local clubs when he was on tour.

Buford's big break came in 1959 when he joined Muddy Waters's band, initially replacing Little Walter. He played with Waters for several years, establishing himself as a dynamic harmonica player with a robust, expressive style rooted in the Chicago blues tradition. In 1962, Buford moved to Minneapolis, where he fronted his own band and recorded several albums, earning the nickname 'Mojo' from fans who frequently requested his version of 'Got My Mojo Working.' Throughout his career, Buford had multiple stints with Muddy Waters, touring internationally and recording extensively. He also collaborated with many Twin Cities musicians and continued to perform and record into the 1990s, helping to spread the blues to new audiences in the U.S. and Europe.

Buford's legacy lies in his powerful harmonica technique, his role in keeping the Chicago blues sound alive, and his mentorship of younger musicians. He was inducted into the Minnesota Rock Country Hall in 2004 and is remembered as a vital link between the Mississippi Delta and the urban blues scenes of Chicago and Minneapolis.

Fun Facts

• Buford earned the nickname 'Mojo' because audiences persistently requested his rendition of 'Got My Mojo Working' during live shows.
• He substituted for both Little Walter and James Cotton as the harmonica player in Muddy Waters's band at different times.
• Buford's first album, 'The Exciting Harmonica Sound of Mojo Buford,' was released in 1964, and he continued to record for various U.S. and international labels throughout his career.
• He was inducted into the Minnesota Rock Country Hall in 2004, recognizing his impact on the regional music scene.

Associated Acts

• The Muddy Waters Band
• Voodoo Men

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• B.B. King - Early inspiration heard on Memphis radio; influenced Buford's approach to blues. (General blues influence) [1940s]
• Little Walter - Influence on harmonica style; predecessor in Muddy Waters's band. (Chicago blues harmonica style) [1950s]

Key Collaborators

• Muddy Waters - Band leader; Buford was harmonica player in multiple stints. (Live performances, tours, recordings with Muddy Waters's band) [1959–1962, 1967–1968, early 1970s]
• James Cotton - Alternate harmonica player in Muddy Waters's band; Buford replaced him in 1967. (Live performances with Muddy Waters) [1967]
• Lazy Bill Lucas - Collaborated in Minneapolis; played together in local bands. (Local performances and recordings) [1960s–1970s]
• Lonnie Knight - Guitarist in the Mojo Buford Group and studio collaborator. (Unreleased 'Micside Blues' album, Mojo Buford Group) [1969–1970]

Artists Influenced

• Sonny Rodgers - Worked together in Minneapolis; Buford influenced local blues musicians. (Live performances) [1970s]
• Various Twin Cities musicians - Mentored and inspired younger blues artists in Minnesota. (Collaborations and live performances) [1960s–1990s]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. Down The Road I Go - Live Boston August 22nd.1972 - Restauración 2024 (Muddy Waters Live Boston August 22nd. 1972 (Restauración 2024))
2. My Home Is on the Delta - Remastered (Goin’ Way Back)
3. Leavin' in the Mornin' - Remastered (Goin’ Way Back)
4. Got a Sweet Little Girl - Remastered (Goin’ Way Back)
5. Gypsy Woman - Remastered (Goin’ Way Back)
6. Laverne (Why Do You Treat Me So Mean?) - Remastered (Goin’ Way Back)
7. Little Anna Mae - Remastered (Goin’ Way Back)
8. Take a Little Walk - Remastered (Goin’ Way Back)
9. Bad Lovin' Trouble - Remastered (Goin’ Way Back)
10. Nothin' Bother Me - Remastered (Goin’ Way Back)

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia
• MusicBrainz