Greatest Blues Artists

Perhaps the most famous blues artist ever, King attained unprecedented mainstream success thanks to his prodigious guitar skills and support from artists such as Eric Clapton,

Hammond was instrumental in sparking or furthering numerous musical careers, including those of Benny Goodman, Charlie Christian, Billie Holiday, Count Basie, Teddy Wilson, Big Joe Turner, Pete Seeger, Babatunde Olatunji, Aretha Franklin, George Benson, Bob Dylan, Freddie Green, Leonard Cohen, Bruce Springsteen, Arthur Russell, Asha Puthli and Stevie Ray Vaughan. He is also largely responsible for the revival of delta blues artist Robert Johnson's music.

One of the first legendary American musicians to die at the young age of 27, Johnson is most well known for the legend that he sold his soul to the devil at the crossroads so he could be a great blues musician

He was a god in the blues scene, he must be included to this list

Influenced a generation of famous rock stars from Clapton to Zeppelin to Jimmi Hendrix. Rock and Roll as we know it today would not exist if it wasn't for Muddy

Legend Guitarist, vocalist, pianist, bass guitarist and drummer. Influenced by many that are on this list.

A favorite of The Doors, Hooker was known for his gravely, emotion-laden voice and repetitive, hypnotic guitar riffs.

The man had the most amazing voice in blues history and his songs were made famous by The Doors, Led Zeppelin and The Yardbirds.

Probably the best blues guitarist ever. He cannot be omitted from this list.

When he played for Fleetwood Mac and his solo stuff , he should be recognised as british leading blues guitarist

he was supporting bb king when he was 12!!!!

Just listen to the music, influence,

Put out the best blues album (along with Magic Sam's West Side Soul) of the 60's Born Under A Bad Sign

Although still a new band, they have successfully bridged the gap between blues rock and popular music. From future guitar classics like 'thickfreakness', to rockin' blues anthems like 'I Got Mine,' the Black keys are proving that the blues isn't a music style of a bygone era, but a form that is kicking and screaming to be rediscovered by a new generation.

Because Ray took the blues and invented Rock 'n' Roll not mention he dabbled in almost every genre know to man. This man is god.

Has been in the blues seen for decades, and blues legend Eric Clapton invites him to the Crossroads guitar festival everytime the event happens.

Please, I cannot believe The White Stripes or Jack White isn't on here. I shouldn't even need to say why.

One of the greatest all-timeTexas blues guitarists. No list is complete without the "Three Kings," B.B., Albert & Freddy.

Does this entry really need a reason? Sonny Boy Williamson, by far the greatest Chicago blues artist ever.

aberdeen misissippi blues

Along with R.L. Burnside one of the best hill country blues musicians. RIP R.L and Jr.

He mixes all types of genres from grunge to blues. He very heavily deserves a spot on this list.

Little Milton, is little known, but highly valued. true blues down to the bone,

Australian blues singer with the classic blues 'gravel' voice.

Self taught on a 3 string electric guitar. His voice and music style are what the blues are all about

Look him up. NOT having him high on this list for his influential importance would be a crime. He wrote the song that changed Elvis's life, and eventually launched his career. Everybody knows, like him or not, Elvis is practically single handedly responsible for Rock 'n Roll becoming so huge. Cruddup's song, "That's All Right Mama" was THE song that got the studios paying attention to Elvis. Until that moment, his career was going nowhere.

Beautiful blues piano, second to none

Great West Side Chicago Singer/Guitar Player. His Cobra sides are some of the best of the genre.

All I have to say is B.B. King did a whole album of Louis covers, that should say something.

I noticed most of these folks are guitar slingers and that's fine but let's give props to the piano too.

The Harp God

One of the newer kids on the block. Talented man. Check out ' Butt naked free' from 2000.

one of the most influential gospel blues artists who have influenced a generation of bluesmen including dylan and elvis costello. His haunting vocals on '"none of us are free" are the best. Sadly he is no more but his music lives on

Actually I am quite appalled at how few women are on this list. Big Mama Thornton, Ruth Brown, Memphis Minnie, Sippie Wallace, Ida Cox, Julia Lee, Big Maybelle (A personal favorite), Etta James, Irma Thomas, Sister Rosetta Tharpe, Ma Rainey (A legend and lesbian to boot), Katie Webster (maybe the best blues pianist after say Pinetop...). Bonnie Raitt is one of the few blues musicians make it in the crossover to pop but she is blue down to the core, if she wasn't people like Taj and Keb wouldn't be lining up to play with her.

The Original Blues Star.

Rockin' Wailin' Moanin' Growlin' Sexy ! Five good reasons she should be on this list.

Give a listen to the Live at the Living Room in NYC videos on Youtube. Sean passed at the young age of 28 and IMHO never hit his peak as a blues guitarist. He's played with some of the great blues artists and deserves to be on this list.

I don't know why he wasn't listed sooner than this. He is Louisiana Blues...

One of the all-time great ones. How could he not be in the top 20?

Last of the great Mississippi Delta bluesmen!

Grammy winner

New band, not well known what-so-ever but will get you hooked the first time you hear them, on album or live. Find them, listen to them, see them in concert, your mind will be blown.

Needs no introduction. This guy IS the blues. Listen to Bullfrog blues or Tattoo'd lady and you'll know what I mean.

Awesome contemporary Mississippi delta blues rock

Doyle and Derek Trucks are the best modern blues player. Doyle also has a great voice.

Blues is where he belongs.