"Robert Johnson? No, I didn't know him, personally"

Muddy Waters' quote about Robert Johnson implies that he did not have a personal relationship with the famous blues artist. This might suggest that he was not knowledgeable about Johnson's music, or that he had actually never fulfilled him personally. It could likewise suggest that Johnson was not a part of the same musical circles as Muddy Waters, or that he was not as popular as Muddy Waters throughout his lifetime. The quote might also be interpreted as a sign of respect for Johnson, as Muddy Waters acknowledges that he was not personally familiarized with him, in spite of Johnson's immense impact on the blues category. This could be seen as a sign of admiration for Johnson's skill and legacy, even if Muddy Waters was not personally knowledgeable about him.