Originally recorded by Muddy Waters in 1955 the song reached number five during a stay of six weeks in the Billboard R&B charts.The song was Muddy Waters' only chart appearance on the UK singles chart peaking at number 51 in 1988.
In 1986, Muddy Waters' original "Mannish Boy" was inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame "Classics of Blues Recordings" category. It was also included in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's list of the "500 Songs that Shaped Rock and Roll". "Mannish Boy" is ranked number 230 in Rolling Stones magazine's list of the "500 Greatest Songs of All Time".
Muddy Water, Bo Diddley and Mel London are credited as composers of Mannish Boy.
Jimi's version of Mannish Boy was recorded in1969 at New York City's Record Plant studios with Billy Cox on bass and Buddy Miles on drums and is the first studio recording by the Band of Gypsys.