McKinley Morganfield (April 4, 1913 – April 30, 1983), known as Muddy Waters, was a blues singer and musician who was an important figure in the post-World War II blues scene, and is often cited as the "father of modern Chicago blues."

William James Dixon (July 1, 1915 – January 29, 1992) was a blues musician, vocalist, songwriter, arranger and record producer. He played both the upright bass and the guitar, but he is best known as one of the most prolific songwriters of his time.

Earl Zebedee Hooker (January 15, 1930 – April 21, 1970) was a blues guitarist known for his slide guitar playing. He performed with artists such as Sonny Boy Williamson II, Junior Wells, and John Lee Hooker and fronted his own bands.

Hooker's "Blue Guitar," a slide guitar instrumental single, was later overdubbed with vocals by Muddy Waters as "You Shook Me" and released by Chess Records in 1962.