
In 1941 Waters joined a traveling tent show, of which there were many touring the country.
Being discovered and recorded in 1941 and 1942 by Alan Lomax for his Library of Congress Field Recording project, Waters achieved greater recognition for his unique style.In 1943 he headed up to Chicago and survived like other musicians, working in a factory by day and playing clubs at night; his reputation grew and he made several recording and commenced his 30 year relationship with Chess Records. He worked and recorded with some of the city's best musicians, including Little Walter, Howlin' Wolf, Jimmy Rogers and Otis Span.

Waters performed at the 1981 ChicagoFest, recorded a live album with the Rolling Stones at Chicago's Checkerboard and a year later with Eric Clapton in Florida, but his health was in decline and on April 30, 1983, he died in his sleep, at his home in Westmont, Illinois.
He has been cited by dozens of international stars as a great influence on their choice of songs and careers.