Someone asked me for a “required listening” list for blues guitar… and I was, at first, a little surprised.
But then I realized that it’s easy for those of us who “live” with blues music to find a lot of great examples of the blues… and if you’re new to the blues, then it’s not always so obvious.
So I thought I’d throw a couple out there, and let you help me help the newcomers with the rest in the comments. (And keep in mind that I might also grab some of these for some new lessons 🙂
So here are some of my top blues song (in no particular order, I’m just typing them as they come to me)
- Stevie Ray Vaughan – Texas Flood
- BB King – The Thrill Is Gone
- Eric Clapton – I’m Tore Down (from “From The Cradle.”)
- Albert King – Born Under A Bad Sign
- The Blues Brothers – Sweet Home Chicago (also the Clapton version)
- Derek And The Dominoes – Key To The Highway
- Robert Johnson – Crossroads
- Elmore James – Dust My Broom
- Gary Moore – Still Got The Blues
- The Allman Brothers – Stormy Monday (live at Fillmore recording.)
Alright… your turn… GO!
358 replies to "Required Listening And Playing"
Joe Bonamassa’s version of “Midnight Blues” and Gary Moore’s “Still in Love with You”
Holy blue smoke, what a list! For me, right now it is:
FREDDIE KING! (RIP, he left us way too soon)
Hideaway
San-Ho-Say
Have You Ever Loved a Woman
Palace of the King
Going Down
I’m Tore Down
Lonesome Whistle Blues
And many more!!
By the way, his brother, Benny Turner lays down an awesome bass line.
Luther Allison
Luther Allison – Live in Chicago
Mike Bloomfield
Roy Buchanan
KoKo Taylor
Walter Trout
John Lee Hooker
From across the Pond
Ten Years After – any of their live recordings
Savoy Brown – Street Corner Talking, Hell Bound Train, Lions Share
and finally a long disbanded
Chicago band – with a harmonica player and acoustic guitar – The Siegel Schwall Blues Band.
Yeah. I concur. The SS Band goes back the 60s.
HUGE lists but I didn’t see:
Room Full a Blues- “From You” and “Smack dab in the Middle” (they’ve done dozens of rockin blues CDs)
or “More storms commin” from Mark Selby – perfect CD with some awsome tunes like “blind since Birth” and “what Am I Doin”
WOW..talk about opening the Flood Gates
This goes back to a blog that griff just did recently Alvin Lee , and some of the Clapton stuff , do think I saw a post for chess records , willie Dixon. Chess records has alot sets avaible Chuck berry , muddy waters ,willie dixon, The Dixon set is not just Dixon but a lot of the stuff that he wrote or played on , great stuff , in fact it was chess records that got me hooked on the blues.
Did anyone mention Henry Saint Clair Fredericks (Taj Mahal)?
I Hate Everybody — Johnny Winter, Second Winter
ABB Statesboro Blues ( and every blues song in live at Fillmore)
Haven’t managed to read all these, but I thought I’d mention..
Need Your Love So Bad – Fleetwood Mac
I Would Rather Go Blind – Chicken Shack
I Can’t Quit You Babe – Led Zeppelin
I recently found a young guitarist playing swamp blues on a three string shovel, check out Justin Johnson. He plays other guitars as well…
Son Thomas
Sister Rosetta Tharpe
I’m partial to acoustic blues like Eric Clapton’s “Drifting Blues”, but I liked The Mutt Brothers and their album “When a Bulldog Hugs a Hound” (I doubt you can find that album, now).
When I was a callow 12-year-old, listening to Ventures records, my older brother brought home an album called “The Blues Project”, which was essentially a bunch of young white guys doing country blues – and making some great music. It introduced me to the genre and I never turned back. A highlight was the late Dave Ray, an incredible 12-string guitarist and vocalist, along with Tony Glover on harp. Dave Van Ronk was another standout on the album, and Eric Von Schmidt. That was over 50 years ago, and led me to explore all the roots, Robert Johnson, Blind Lemon Jefferson, Son House, Rev. Gary Davis, Lonnie Johnson, Muddy and Wolf, the list is endless and amazing. Still exploring, and trying to figure out how they did that….
How can you dare, reducing a Music Style with at least twenty subdivisions, thousands of individual Artists and Millions of Songs down to only a hand full of Songs!!!
To a Newbie one needs first to show how blues evolved out of 1900s Folk Songs with New Orleans Big Band Music and Gospel influences into Texas Blues with Blind Lemon Jefferson f.e. and Mississippi Delta Blues with Huddie Ledbetter a.k.a. Leadbelly, Big Bill Broonzy and Charley Patton as well as hundreds of other Artists of whom most had their own unique style of how to play the Delta Blues..
Then what happend to these styles when the resonator guitar was invented or some years ago when the Bottleneck became used more and more like Bukka White f.e. …
Then the various Styles that showed up with electronic amplification, be it amplified Bottleneck Blues as Fred Mc Dowell started to play, Delta Blues like Big John Williams, Muddy Waters and John Lee Hooker, or Texas Blues like Lightnin’ Hopkins and how Acoustic Blues Guitar developed on into Ragtime Blues like Blind Blake or like Rev. Garry Davis, Delta Blues like Mississippi John Hurt or Blues Bands like the Mississippi Sheiks, or Chicago Blues like Elmore James. and Last but not least not to forget all the Hundreds of Possible Styles Artists in the Fifties and Sixties started playing with complete Electric Guitar Equipments developed out of those Roots and mixed them up with Rock (mainly) but also with influences out of country, Jazz and other Music Styles.. a development that’s still goin’ on..
So he’s gonna need at least three CDs with about 30 Songs each, be it only to make up his mind what kind of a Blues he does want learn to play whereas You Griff will have to tell him which Root-Styles he first needs to learn just to be able to understand what’s goin’ on in the music he’s aiming for.. 😉
OK, I guess that newbies showing up at Your place do so because they’ve seen You play somewhere or at least know the Style You usualy play and teach so that’s what they usualy expect.
For some few others, like me for example, You may need to expand your diversity, possibly by joinin’ up with other artists, specialised in Fingerstyle, Ragtime, Bottleneck, Boogie Guitar or harder Blues Rock Music. When You manage to find the right partners Your BGU Site might become the Best overall worldwide.. cheerio
No wonder you’re known as BluesDragon.
Dude, you just gave us the most compact essential history of the blues that I’ve ever seen.
Well done!!!
And where did Griff say he was making a complete list of all Blues history and significant songs? So in your opinion, someone can’t START to appreciate Blues music without a 100 song list and simultaneous historical research?
The premise of the blog is suggested songs to introduce someone to the Blues, not an education in all of Blues history.
Your post, like several others, seems pretentious. Trying to outdo other players by listing obscure artists isn’t really the point here.
How about Australian slide guitarist DAVE HOLE. First white blues guitarist to be signed by Alligator. Unique style and sound!!!!!
Your on the money there cobber I used see Dave Hole and Matt Taylor in Perth at the White Sands Hotel in Scarborough in the 80’s you’d get stoned just breathing
If you like ‘over-playing’ as much as I do—you can’t go wrong with Walter Trout—-maniac😀🤙
In no particular order:-
Red House- Jimi Hendrix
Down at the Landing- John Lee Hooker
Coulda Had Religion- Rory Gallagher
All Round Man- Rory Gallagher
Smokestack Lightning- Howlin’ Wolf
I Asked Her for Water…- Howlin’ Wolf
Bird Without Feather- R L Burnside
Kind Hearted Woman- George Thorogood
Shake ‘em on Down- Samantha Fish
Definitely Maybe- Jeff Beck
…and just a few others!
Great List Griff! What else? Duane Allman’s Goin Down Slow, Luther Allison’s versions of It Hurts Me Too, you included Matt Murphy on Blues Bros but don’t forget him on Memphis Slims 1959 album, Buddy Guy /Junior Wells “ Messin w The Kid” from Play the Blues, PBBs Born in Chicago w Bloomfield, BB Kings how blue can you get from Cook County Prison, BB Kings original 1950s version of Three Oclock morning Blues w Ike Turner. Earl Hooker On Junior Wells, “calling all blues” , The Stumble Freddie King, Running out of steam Albert king, Red House by Jimi , Lonnie Brooks Sweet Home Chicago
Tommy Tucker – High Heel Sneakers
for a different turn on things try Blue Cheer
and
MC5
I haven’t heard anyone mention Blue Cheer in a very long time. Digging deep. Well done.
My first experience with blues was when my sister gave me the “Southside Blue” album with Junior Wells, Buddy Guy and Otis Spann. Also, John Mayall’s “Back to the Roots” with Eric Clapton.
Mike Bloomfield, Amos Garrett, Jeff Heally,
On the acoustic side, almost anything by Warner Williams and Jay Summerour for a little bit different blend
Mike Bloomfield, Amos Garrett, Jeff Heally,
Johnny Winter of course and his pal Muddy Waters. Albert Cummings Working Man Blues & I’m Free, Walter Trout , Guitarist extraordinaire Andy Timmons On Your Way Sweet Soul , some bijou blues by Tab Benoit
Robert Cray: Smokin Gun
ZZ Top: Jesus Left Chicago
You can’t have a list of Blues best without Howlin Wolf! Spoonful, Smokestack Lightning, etc
All the Artists above are great …!!!
C’mon Guys and Gals how can you consider yourself a fan of the Blues
without a place on your lists for the great Acoustic Blues Guitarist… JOHN PRIMER.
His Blues on Solid Ground Album…is excellent
The Blues on Solid Ground (track 3) and When I get Lonely (track 4) are AWESOME…!!!
CHECK HIM OUT…!!!
No blues list is complete without Howlin’ Wolf! Spoonful, Smokestack Lightning, etc. gotta have the wolf on any Blues list
Peter Green of original Fleetwood Mac, Mick Abrahams solo and Blodwyn Pig, Kim Simmonds od Savoy Brown
Srv
Clapton
Rory Gallager
Little known outside of UK are
Davy Knowles/Backdoor slam, more rock blues and Aynsley Lister worth a listen.
Freddie King – Help me through the day (and everything else he does). Joe Bonamassa – No good place do the lonely, the sole at the end is absolutely mind blowing.
“No good place FOR the lonely” and “Solo at the end” sorry for the typo’s
If he has not been mentioned then Walter Trout gets my vote for sheer passion and aggression
Laurie Morvan Band: No Workin’ During Drinking Hours, Beat Up From The Feet Up, Where Are The Girls With Guitars
Dennis Jones Band: Super Deluse (Super Deluxe), Passion For The Blues, Automatic Love
Will Ray: 219 Orange Avenue, Santa Cruisin’, Wait A Minute, I Hate My Day Job, Oh Me Oh My, The Chicken Song
I forgot three other Will Ray songs: Holy Smokes, Wait A Minute & Bad Bad Day
Laurie Morvan Band – WOW don’t know how I missed her all these years. Thanks man, she’s right up there with Rory Block and all the other great women artists. Thanks again – I got some serious listenin’ to do.
I recently became a “senior citizen” and clearly recall being introduced (and subsequently obsessed with) the blues sound via the British Invasion lads, most notably the Rolling Stones and to a lesser degree the more blues-oriented songs of the Beatles. As a 10-year-old kid in rural Canada, I was naive enough to think these guys had invented the sound, as I had never heard it before, but was struck by that particular sound and feel. Then came Janis Joplin’s b-side, Turtle Blues, which I wore out through repeated listenings of the 45. It was only through reading interviews by these people when they named their influences that I began to learn about the history of the music and thus began listening as much as I could to the “originals”. All these decades later, the love and fascination for this music form holds strong. Best holiday wishes to all you bluesers out there!
Etta James Don Joe Baker Matt Anderson Ko Ko Montoya Jimmy Reed Keb Mo
OOPS! That was suppose to be Tab Benoir, not Tan.
Oh yea…and BB King’s “Don’t answer the door”, Joe Bonamasa’s “Blues Deluxe”, Clapton’s “Reconsider Baby”, “5 Long Years”, “Have You Ever Loved A Woman”…and we can throw in Tan Benoir’s “Too Many Dirty Dishes In The Sink”.
P.S. I’ll be back with more later.
Lots of great music listed here. One of my all time favourites is from a couple of guys that were (they have both passed on) incredible to listen to. The first thing I think of when I think of them is called “Bring Out the Boogie In Me” by Sonny Terry and Brownie McGhee. They put out so much great music, but when I mention them most people give that weird look that says they have never heard of them.
My first blues concert ever, back in the early ’70s, when I was in my teens, was Sonny Terry & Brownie McGhee – absolutely amazing. Sad if they were forgotten.
Anything on Chess Records, buy Muddy Waters and Howlin’ Wolf especially
Mississippi John Hurt
Son House
Rory Gallagher
Elmore James
Sam ‘Lightin’ Hopkins – because he is the blues
And from left field, Scrapper Blackwell
My intro to the blues was John Lee Hooker, ( still my favorite) then Johnny Winter, Lightning Hopkins,
Roy Buchanan, Rory Gallagher, Freddie King, B.B. King and Albert King, Mike Bloomfield, Fred McDowell
John Mayall Jimi Hendrix, Early Fleetwood Mac, Elvin Bishop,
I see a lot of great music listed, some are originals, some are cover versions. One thing I would advise, is always , when possible, give the original versions a listen. Music is “work in progress” and there is a lot to gain from exploring various ways of playing.
To add to the list:
Robben Fords version of “Birds Nest Bound” an old Charley Patton song.
Albert Collins – anything from his hand will do
Eric Gales, in my opinion one of the greatest guitarists right now. Very traditional and original at the same time. Check out his “Red house” with Joe Bonamassa
‘Its my life’ and Hoodoo man blues by Buddy Guy and Junior wells must be tow of the greatest Records. Its my life tires ato capture that late night club atmosphere and I can only recommend it as essential listening. SRV I am certain was heavily influenced by theses two albums ‘Mary Had a little Lamb’ being one obvious example of Stevei playing tribute to Buddy. I love the Buddy version for sure.
A name missed on the list so far as I noticed would be Bonnie Raitt, also Hubert Sumlin.
Savoy Brown Kim Simmonds I should have added
As a young high schooler, the first band I really fell in love with was the Allman Brothers Band. They were labeled as a Southern Rock band, which was a great label for them and all those similar bands. What I didn’t realize at the time was that I was actually falling in love with the blues. While there are many examples, probably the two most prominent were Statesboro Blues and Trouble No More. These are absolutely infectious blues tunes masquerading as Southern Rock. I was duped! Ha ha!
Once I figured it out, I was hooked on the blues for the rest of my life.
Box Scaggs & Duane Allman – Loan Me a Dime.
My Brain Just Turned Blue!!! What an astonishing List! The band that schooled me in the blues in the 60’s was The Paul Butterfield Blues Band and to a lesser extent, The Blues Project. Of course that was before I started reading the liner notes on the first few Rolling Stones albums
My Brain just turned Blue!! What an astonishing list. I want to mention the band that schooled me in the blues back in the 60’s; The Paul Butterfield Blues Band, and to a little lesser extent, The Blues Project.
My esoteric list (didn’t want to repeat the same suggestions already given—-all good—- but these are worth digging up too 👍
Roll and Tumble by Hambone Willie Newborn
Milk Cow Blues by Kokomo Arnold
Crow Jane by Skip James
Cypress Grove by Skip James
Graveyard Digger’s Blues by Sam Collins
Big Road Blues by Tommy Johnson
Little Rain by Jimmy Reed
While I didn’t read them all, “How Blue Can You Get” BB King and the “Louisianan Gator Boys.” there are so many great Blues musicians in that version it’s nearly unbelievable!
The first song of the blues I heard that did it for me was, Led Zeppelin’s version of since I’ve been loving you. Page’s guitar work on that song got me into the blues sound and actually sent me on a love for the old school blues, that I still carry after 40+ years. I like old and new style blues, but lean a little more towards delta, that stuff just has so much feeling behind it. Enjoy your day
in this discussion so much of what I am seeing are archival references to the History of times passed. in the mid 60″s I discovered the blues while going to school in Chicago in the mid 60’s. I just happened to stumble into Muddy Waters at a divey club on the south side. and today I still hear echos of those times when I check out the latest phenom. you tube or collector albums ares the quick and easy but you actually need to be there in the club, dive or wherever the music is being featured to fully appreciate the creative possibilities. record or reference what you like: you will not need to be told. it will hit like a lightening bolt and you will just stand there like a deer in the headlights. we have only a few of these epiphanies so pay attention and honor that revelation when it happens.
If I had possession over judgement day.
Robert Johnson song.
Played by Clapton
The two I see missing are Rory Block (definitely the best female blues player today and probably the best overall) and John Mayall, the British bluesman (and from whom we got Eric Clapton!).
Black Queen by Stephen Stills
Five Long Years by Eric Clapton
Wind Cries Mary by Jimi Hendrix
These Days by Gregg Allman / Jackson Brown
Griff introduced me to BB Chung King and the Buddaheads. I’m surprised they are not on his list.
I learned of the blues from live music at first… Luther Allison, Magic Slim, Little Jimmy Valentine & the Heart Murmurs, Dr. John Walker… seeing/hearing some of the Chicago Bluesmen was an incredible eye-opener! The British rockers lead me to discover Robert Johnson. Anyway, I’d suggest searching for a local Blues Society and check out their live shows… you will not be sorry! Remember: I don’t have the blues, but they surely do have me!
-Cheers!
I would like to add a couple of slow blues numbers worth checking out.
Gods problem child, Willie Nelson
Little bluebird, Mark Knopfler
Listen and enjoy.
A lot of Rolling Stones Early Stuff, to wit
Carol
Good Times Bad Times,
Little Red Rooster
Don’t Play with Fire
As Tears Go By
Bringing It All Back Home
And of course Jumpin’ Jack Flash
And by Them (VAN Morrison’s Group
Mystic Eyes
Gloria
Believe it or not, Paul Stookey,-Whatshername
Willie Nelson-Sunday Mornin’ Comin’ Down
Anything by the late great JEFF Healy
Let’s give some love to slide guitar. How about Sonny Landreth and Walking Blues!
Love in Vain (cover) – Rolling Stones on their Get Yer Ya-Ya’s Out album
Blue Jean Blues – ZZ Top on their Fandango album
Peter Green’s Fleetwood Mac Any album or song
Rory Gallagher again any album or song
Any Rural blues albums for acoustic playing
Jimi Hendrix – Red House
Agreed on Red House. The finest blues I know. And Need You Love So Bad as a Maj blues.
How about Beth Hart & Jeff Beck covering the Buddy Guy song “I’d rather go Blind….
Yes!!
It’s actually an Etta James song
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How about Alvin Lee and Ten Years After – Slow Blues in C & The Bluest Blues. Van Morrison – Going Down Geneva, or Freddie King – Going Down. Griff I’m surprised Freddie King didn’t make your list. I know you are a big fan of his music. I guess that tells you how much good blues is out there.
How about Alvin Lee’s – Motel blues
The Bluest Blues after Griff turned me on to Alvin Lee. It’s up there with Gary Moore’s Still Got The Blues imho 🙂
I would not mind a compilation of one full cd. I’d be a buyer
Something Inside of Me – Fleetwood Mac
I Woke up this Morning – Ten Years After
Street Corner Talking – Savoy Brown
Third Degree – Johnny Winter
I’m Tired – Savoy Brown
Dust My Blues – John Mayall
Ramblin’ on my Mind – Mayall
Stormy Monday – Allman Bros.
Meet the Blues Head On – Savoy Brown
The Blues Overtook Me- Charlie Musselwhite
Soulshine – Warren Hayes
Saw this email a little late, Griff. Great selection. As are most of the others folks are sending in. Here are mine:
1. Stephen Stills — Blues Man
2. Lynyrd Skynyrd — Call Me the Breeze
3/4. ZZ Top — Waitin’ for the Bus/Jesus Just Left Chicago
5. Allman Brothers — Whipping Post
6. Allman Brothers — One Way Out
7. Led Zeppellin — When the Levee Breaks
8. The Doors — Roadhouse Blues
9. Arlo Guthrie — St. James Infirmary (Live)
10. Magic Slim & The Teardrops — Champagne and Reefer
Magic Slim! Saw him several times at the Zoo Bar in Lincoln, NE… excellent choice!
How about Jimi’s “Red House”? (studio cut)…great listening & inspiring!
Robert Johnson & Michael Bloomfield
Hey Griff,
You certainly opened the Blues Songs Can here.. some great songs above the only other one that seems to be missed is Little Walter who was also one of the favourite Blues star of Keith Richards in his book Life..also the Animals “I will Put a Spell On You”..
But I think your list is pretty succinct to get someone wanting to purchase a BGU lesson around the songs you know well..with ready made jam tracks and accurate TAB sheets..
All Good
Michael- Sydney- Australia-11th August 2017.
I went through the responses pretty quick and everybody makes great choices, but I did not notice anybody listing anything from Gary Clark jr. like Bright lights or Black and Blue
Johnny Winter Be Careful with a Fool 2 EC Further on up the Road live on EC was here 3 Harvey Mandel Hank the ripper from Baby Batter.Keef Hartley Band Born to die Spit James on guitar Half-breed album Mike Bloomfield Supersession record Albert’s Shuffle
Looked through and didn’t see Bluest Blues by Alvin Lee. Give a listen.
Agreed, I just posted that and then saw your post 🙂
What a great idea, Griff! This compilation from your forum guests is a treasure. I might plug the recurring ones into a Pandora-type station for listening. I have many favorites, but Buddy Guy comes to mind for both his guitar and singing. Of course, the Master, Jimi. My local (Ashland, Oregon) favorite is Jeff Pevar, who was with Crosby and Nash, has backed Ray Charles, Bonnie Rait, etc. His riffs make me cry they’re so good. He plays locally lately with LOVEBITE, a funk band, with his wife Inger Jorgensen
How about Roy Clark? On YouTube there is a video of him playing “12th Street Rag..” (Awesome). Also Buddy Merrill or Neil Levang from the old Lawrence Welk Show
I am right there with you Glenn. Years ago I bought an album in a closeout bin for a dollar. It’s Roy Clark and Clarence “Gatemouth” Brown. Makin’ Music is the title and it was the best buck I ever spent.
Haven’t seen Big Bill Broonzy mentioned or some of the rock and roll pioneers like Chuck Berry etc . Play a 12 bar at a fast tempo and you can play a lot of these r&r songs which are ideal for beginners. And go and WATCH live music.
In no particular order:
Red House – Jimi Hendrix
Born Under A Bad Sign – Cream (Eric Clapton)
Scratch My Back – Slim Harpo
Since I Been Loving You – Led Zeppelin
Oh Darling – The Beatles
Stormy Monday – Allman Bros.
Killing Floor – Howlin’ Wolf
The Thrill Is Gone – B.B. King
I Can’t Quit You Babe – Led Zeppelin
Big Legged Woman – Freddie King
I’ve Got Love If You Want It – Slim Harpo
Whipping Post – Allman Bros.
Sexual Harassment in the Workplace – Frank Zappa
Spoonful – Howlin’ Wolf
Hey Joe – Jimi Hendrix
How Many More Times – Led Zeppelin
Black-Hearted Woman – Allman Bros.
Back Door Man – Howlin’ Wolf
Rainin’ In My Heart – Slim Harpo
Watermelon in Easter Hay – Frank Zappa
Crossroads – Cream (Eric Clapton)
I Want You (She’s So Heavy) – The Beatles
You Shook Me – Led Zeppelin
Have You Ever Loved A Woman – Derek & the Dominoes (Eric Clapton)
Smokestack Lightnin’ – Howlin’ Wolf
Statesboro Blues – Allman Bros.
No Quarter – Led Zeppelin
Me and My Guitar – Freddie King
Black Napkins – Frank Zappa
I’m A King Bee – Slim Harpo
Ain’t My Cross to Bear – Allman Bros.
Hummingbird – B.B. King
How Many More Years – Howlin’ Wolf
If you’re very much younger than 60 you will probably disagree with some of these choices and have never heard of some others, but these songs make up the inner sanctum of required listening as far as I’m concerned.
Looks like I waited to long yo comment. Lots of great talents listed. I just want to add I love everything that Eric Clapton and JJ Cale have done together including ” any way the wind blows” and ” after midnight.
great list Sean Drummond, but as to Beatles, Yer Blues and For you blue…………
The late Jeff Healey. Truly a one of a kind bluesman. Listen to him first and then watch him perform. Ya gotta SEE what yer hearing!
My all-time favorite instrumental guitar blues song is “Nice Problem To Have” from See The Light. Robbie Blunt wrote it and plays on the track with Jeff. It’s an awesome slow blues song that is on several of my playlists.
Most of the Blues “Must Listen” artists have already been listed. Reminds me that I have something on CD or digital by most of these artists that I should go back and listen to. Anyway the top of my list is SRV always.
I don’t know if Jimmy Thackery is listed but saw him a few years ago and he was amazing. Also, I don’t remember if Mike Bloomfield is listed but he was a phenomenal blues guitarists who died too young. I apologize they have already been listed – I went through the chain of responses pretty quickly.
By the way my favorite Mike Bloomfield album is “Don’t Say That I Ain’t Your Man”.
Jimmy Thackeray Live is always a treat, especially with The Nighthawks. Add Mike Henderson and The Bluebloods.
Albert King – “Blues at Sunrise” on the LP “Live Wire Blues Power”
I like it on the Blues at Sunrise album with Donald Kinsey
Nick Moss, Chicago blues style. Someone mentioned Son House. Then you have to mention John Mooney.
Try Ligtin Hopkins He is an old timer.
Joe Bonamassa – If Heartaches Were Nickels
Warren Haynes should be on that list. Duane Allman if he hasn’t been listed. Jimmy Reed absolutely.
Just listing names, to add to Griff’s list:
1. Bo Diddley
2. Bobby Blue Bland
3. Boz Skaggs
4. Buddy Guy
5. Charlie Musselwhite
6. Chuck Berry
7. The Doors
8. Elmore James
9.Eric Clapton
10. Etta James
11. Gary Clark Jr.
12. Hound Dog Taylor
13.Howlin Wolf
14. Jimi Hendrix
15. Jimmy Reed
16. Joe Cocker
17. John Lee Hooker
18. Johnny Winter
19. Lead Belly
20. Led Zeppelin
21. Lightin Hopkins
22. LIttle Walter
23. Muddy Waters
24. Otis Redding
25. Paul Butterfield
26. R.L. Burnside
27. Ralph McTell
28. Robert Cray
29. Slim Harpo
30. Son House
31. Sonny Boy Williamson
32.Sonny Landreth
33. Stevie Ray Vaughan
34. T Bone Walker
35.Van Morrison
36. Willie Dixon
37. ZZ Hill
38. ZZ Top
Anybody mind adding a little Robin Trower to the list. Say bridge of sighs
J.B Hutto
LOng John Hunter
T-Model Ford
Steve Vai
Teresa Russell
Wes Montgomery
Don’t forget Leslie West.
Maybe some Walter Trout – to celebrate his return to health too
Magic Slim:
Walkin the Dog
Mustang Sally (Live version)
Cold Women with Warm Hearts (Live version)
Roy Buchanon
Melvin Taylor anybody?
Hoodoo Man Blues … An absolute classic and listen to buddy guy’s playing … Epic
Absolutely everything by Joe Bonamassa! Me, a fan? Naaaaaaah!!
“Let the Good Times Roll” Live
Hardly a mention for Ray Charles! What,d I Say,Georgia on my mind etc.
Give Tree Adams “Back to the water” a listen.
Bernie,Scotland UK
When did Ray Charles play the guitar????
I agree with this great list. I didn’t scrutinize every post but wanted to be sure Albert Cummings was listed. For the SRV crowd, a great listen. Not as much Hendrix influence, but superb technique and blues musicality. “Griff like”!
Some great Aussie blues ,Dutch Tilders ,Lyod Speigal,Chain,.
Eric Clapton “Blues” album and “Me and Mr Johnson”. Tony McPhee, “Slide T.S. Slide” album, Rolling Stones “Blue and Lonesome”. And try and get hold of some stuff by Alexis Korner.
All these guys were from the British Blues scene in the late 50s, early 60s. Kept the whole genre alive then took it back home to the USA. 🙂
Any song (Tommy Emmanuel)
Others have mentioned Roy Buchanan and Johnny Winter – two of my all-time favourites, but WAY too advanced for most BGU readers (and me) I reckon.
Here’s one from left-field…..DION DI MUCCI !! Dion has released three blues albums since 2000, and they are all great. Nothing too flashy, pretty simple solos, nearly all acoustic or small-band stuff; a lot of originals but LOTS of blues standards done by one of the best voices ever, and a good guitar player too. Check them out, well worth a listen: Tank Full of Blues, Son of Skip James and Bronx in Blue.
Mississippi Fred McDowell-anything
Eric Clapton-anything
Buddy Guy-Dam right I got the blues
Keb Mo-anything
SRV-everything
Jimmy Reed-big city
Muddy Waters-anything
B B King-everything
Johnny Shines-anything
And of course…..
Griff Hamlin
Albert Collins — I Ain’t Drunk (he deserves more love on this list)
Luther Allison — Luther’s Blues (has anybody ever heard a guitar talk like this?)
Allman Brothers — Not My Cross To Bear
Tab Benoit — the hottest and most versatile contemporary blues guitarist today
Benoit fan here
Glad to see some other Tab fans on here. He is crazy good in concert!
Hey Griff, I grew up on grand old opry, heard black Sabbath and grand funk railroad at age 12 (it changed my life) and met the blues through a freind in my 30’s I’m 50ish now so here goes,muddy waters- cross- eyed cat that got the ball rolling!love Joe bonnamassa, but it’s the really old stuff that grabs me!so my number one vote is anything that seasick Steve does- bon apetite!
ok….one way out- Allman Brothers
Nasty Dogs and Funky Kings- ZZ TOP
Turn it up- Samantha Fish
Tighten up your wig-Steppenwolf(aka-messin’ with the kid-Junior Wells)
Mannish Boy-Muddy Waters
Money talks- James Dickinson
Fat man in the bathtub- Little Feat
Love me like a man- Bonnie Raitt
My heads in Mississippi- ZZ TOP
Whew!…good enough for a start
Rich Hughes
Little Milton Campbell – Still some meat left on this bone
Sherman Robertson – I wonder why
BB King – Help the Poor
Coco Montoya – never seen you cry this way before
Jimi Hendrix – Hey Joe
James Taylor – Steamroller
Coco Montoya – Do what you want to do
Otis Rush – I got the blues
Robert Johnson The Complete Recordings
Muddy Waters, Rolling Stone
Howling Wolf, Spoonful
Lurie Bell, All Over Again
Lead Belly, Midnight Special
Otis Rush, All Your Love
Buddy Guy Let Me Love You Darling
Albert King, I’ll Play the Blues for You
Anything written by Willie Dixon
Johnny Winter – Hideaway
No singing – but just about any facets of blues riffs for 9 minutes. Awesome
So many great artists and songs. My two pennies worth (or cents).
Snowy White – Midnight Blues, for me just magic. And Colin James – Just Came Back, check out the attitude of the girl backing singers in the video.
Never heard of Collin James. Just saw him at Xerox International Jazzfest . Great show
For all you harp fans on here check out Creeper Returns by Bleeding Harp . I find it strange that very few Tab Benoit fans are here. He is one of the best contemporary artists out there. Rate right up there with SRV.
Life by the drop. Stevie Ray Vahn
Here is my top 10, in no particular order (and subject to change anytime…):
1) Nobody knows you when you’re down and out – Derek and the Dominos
2) All your love – John Mayall and the Bluesbreakers with Eric Clapton
3) La Grange – ZZ Top
4) Be Careful with a Fool – Johnny Winter
5) Whipping Post – Allman Brothers Band
6) Voodoo Chile – Jimmy Hendrix
7) Texas Flood – Stevie Ray Vaughan
8) How Blue can You Get – B.B. King
9) Crossroads – Cream
10) Born in Chicago – Paul Butterfield Blues Band
2b) add : Have you heard – J.M & E.C.
some of the most captivating guitar sounds ever , remembering it was 1966 and the absence of technology as we know it today !
I was surprised Paul Butterfield did not make the original list….good choices.
😃
What? No Jimmie Reed? Big Boss Man. Bright Lights, Big City. I listened to these songs on “black” radio in Chicago in the 50’s. Muddy Waters late night live. Sweet Home Chicago by Magic Sam. ….
Bridge of Sighs -Robin Trower
Add to the list – Johnny Winter’s Dust my Broom, Buddy Guy with Steven Tyler Evil Twin
Anything by Magic Sam
Smokin Joe Kubeck (rip) – Joe played most of the guitar, he did not sing
but his partner Benois King sang and he is also a amazing guitarist.
Roy Buchanan- When a Guitar Plays the blues and Hot Wires
Edgar Winters White Trash Road Work live
The big highlight is their cover version of Tobacco Road with Rick Derringers
solo guitar moment .
Dan Baird (Georgia Satellites) solo album- Love Songs For The Hearing Impaired
I feel there is little point studying music played at blistering high speed when you are trying to learn an instrument or genre, hence why you don’t teach at lighting speed but can play that way! I find my choice of music changes when I go from listening for pleasure, to listening to try to learn and emulate. Also let’s not forget there is great blues examples in gospel and country music too. I agree with all the responses, didn’t see Jimmie Vaughan though, who I like very much. Obviously we are all motivated by different music and artists but I guess the task Griff set was to list music for people learning so we are looking for choices that voice the blues guitar fundamentals for learners to hear and copy. Cheers Pete..
Lonnie Mack – Cincinnati Jail
Justin Johnson – Anything this guy plays on a cigar box guitar or 6 string is unreal!
Led Zep – Lemon song
Ry Cooder – Feeling Bad Blues
So many great ones listed! Many in my top 100, so I won’t repeat.
Some may not technically be blues…..and I haven’t seen it listed (but some really good guitar)
Michael burks- Empty Promises
Clapton- Old Love (off of 24 Nights)
Jeff Beck- Cause we’ve Ended as Lovers
Joe Bonamassa- Tea for One
Roy Buchanan- Sweet Dreams
ZZ- Rough Boy
Tinsley Ellis- Let Him Down Easy
Walter Trout- Lonely
……. and on…..and on.
AC Brooks
1. Live at the Fillmore East-Statesboro Blues, Stormy Monday, Done Somebody Wrong, You Don’t Love Me.
2. Tales of Ordinary Madness. Warren Haynes.
3. ABB. Melissa (version 5:54 min.)
4. Little Martha. Duane Allman
5. Lynard Skynard. Call Me The Breeze
6. ” ” FreeBird, Sweet Home Ala.
7. Clapton. Layla, Key to The Highway
8. Box Scaggs. Loan Me A Dime w/Duane Allman
9. Tedeschi-Trucks. Midnight in Harlem, Bound for Glory
Best regards to Griff & family & BGU’ers
Favorite slow blues:
ZZ TOP — Blue Jean Blues Joe Bonamassa – Blues Deluxe Warren Haynes(Government Mule) version of BB Kings -How Blue can you get — Or BB’s version
and when you get real good, try this https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o5Zao2OOmI4
Holy crap he is good!
MUST LISTEN to some Rory Gallgher !!
Without a south.
The best by far.
Leadbelly was the best! Anything he did is great to play and listening to for hours on end.
Joe Bonamassa Muddy Wolf at Red Rocks
My Babe Little Walter
And yes anything by Buddy Guy
Mojo Working Muddy Waters
Hi,this appears to be a list of favorites as well as recommendations for neophyte bluesers. Here are some of mine.
“Need You So Bad” by Little Willie John
“Nobody Here But Us Chickens” by Phil Harris
“Same Old Blues” by Richard Dangel,Gatemouth Brown, Buddy Whittington
“Still Got The Blues” by Gary Moore, plus others
“My Wife Won The Lottery” by Eric Two Scoops Moore
“The Minor Blues” by Buddy Whittington”
Yes, I’m an eclectic,sax playing,blues guitar want-to-be!
My advice to you beginners is listen,listen,listen and count cause it’s a bummer to try to fit a 12 bar into an 8 bar blues. God bless Grif & his Family and the rest of you blues pickers fearless freddy
Gary Moore, Driftin. Jimi Hendrix, Red House. Freddie King, Goin Down. Albert King, Born Under A Bad Sign. Stones, Little Red Rooster. Just to name a few.
You can’t leave Rory Block off the list. Terraplane Blues, Come On in My Kitchen, Gone Woman Blues or anything else she’s done.
Nobody loves me but my mother-BB King
Just got back from baby’s- ZZ Top
Blue jean blues- ZZ Top
Led Zeppelin – Since I’ve Been Lovin’ You
Elmore James – It Hurts Me Too Clapton live version also
Stones – Love in Vain
Now only need to rank them so a beginner does not start with unreasonable high level and get frustrated.
HOW about MAGIC SLIM AND THE TEARDROPS? Great blues!
CLAPTON ALSO DID CROSSROADS. ONE SONG I KNOW. HOW ABOUT BOOM BOOM BOOM BOOM, T J HOOKER. FROM THE BLUES BROTHERS. VERY CLOSE TO DELTA BLUES.
WOW, DEREK AND THE DOMINOS. CLAPTON AFTER BEING IN THE BLUES BREAKERS.ANY JOHN MAYAL? KEY TO THE HIGHWAY! THAT’S WITH BB KING AND CLAPTON HAVE THE CD. THAT SONG I KNOW WELL. WOW GRIFF, NEVER NEW SO MANY OF THESES GUYS PLAYED THE SAME TUNES.
Anything Joe Bonamassa does…
Some one not famous hide by sad sam blues jam
Buddy Guy is underrepresented….Damn Right I Got the Blues, and Five Long Years off of that same record.
Cherry Red Wine by Luther Allison
Strong Persuader by Robert Cray (song and whole album).
Hey Griff . Thanks so much for the dvds on the modes. That has opened my mind to a whole new spectrum into music. I always wondered how and where the Santana’s , jose felicianos and countless other musicians did that. It now makes sense.
Can you maybe put out a couple of tracks without the melody guitar. Just the drums, rhythm and bass. For us beginners into these modes, we can expierment different melodies on our own.
Thanks. Ps…. you’ve got a great band. Quite impressive horn section.
Lazy–DeepPurple
Some that I don’t see yet : Love in Vain by RJ although most of us grew up with the Stones’ version, and anything off Undead by Ten Years After.
Baby Please Don’t Go- Lightnin’ Hopkins
Wasp Nest-Ray Wylie Hubbard
Sure Got Cold After The Rain Fell-ZZ Top
Polecat-Ray Wylie Hubbard
Love In Vain-The Rolling Stones
For blues with a jazzy bent Melvin Taylor, particularly fond of “wrong place right time”
The Nazz Are Blue – the Yardbirds
Help Me – the Primitives
Baby Please Don’t Go – Them
I like bands that take the blues somewhere else outside the standards.
The Stumble, John Mayall’s Bluesbrakers, with Peter Greene on guitar.
Someone else is Steppin’n, by Z.Z. Hill
Yesss! And anything Peter Green did in the first incarnation of Fleetwood Mac. With his version of ‘I Need Your Love So Bad’. His tone, licks and timing set the standard.
3 O’clock Blues BB King/Clapton
one of BB’s first recordings.
Junior Wells. Messin’ with the Kid
who and what I do not see listed is Savoy Brown? Louisiana Blues come to mind along with tons of other great tunes on their albums. I personally like Blue Matter although there are many others! ALL Good.
In no particular order:
The Thrill is Gone, BB King
Crossroads, Cream (2005 Albert Hall recording)
Stormy Monday, Allman Brothers (Live at Philmore East)
The Sky is Crying, Elmore James
Little Wing, Stevie Ray Vaughan (Heresy I know, but I prefer it to the Hendrix version)
Walk in my Shadow, Free (Bonamassa version might be more bluesy)
So Many Roads, The Bluesbreakers with Peter Green
Slow Blues in C, Ten Years after
There are hundreds, but those are the ones that immediately came to mind. I hope people come up with a few contemporary players to add to list.
Freddie King
Freddie King
Freddie King
Johnny Winter
Johnny Winter
Johnny Winter
FREDDIE KING
Yes, yes and yes!!! I agree totally with you- ANYTHING by Freddie King! Also Mike Bloomfield, especially One Way Out from the live @ Fillmore East w/ Al Kooper.
Albert Shuffle with Mike Bloomfield
All great suggestions here!
I would like to add these if not already mentioned
Gary Clark Jr.
The black keys ( older stuff)
Of course Billy Gibbons ( old ZZ Top)
SRV ” Pride & Joy
Allman Brothers Blues Band – Melissa – Acoustic – Live Music – Gregg & Dickie Betts
I think you need to break the question down to which type of blues. The answer hanges. If you like blues from the 20’s that is different than the Chess era, which is different than the English era. And blues/rock is different than Texas blues. Each style has it’s classics. A beginner can start with their favorite style then expand to other styles. Otherwise we are just listing our favorites regardless of beginner must listen to. Why not break this question into 4 or5 categories then list the must listen to for beginner in each category?
Mississippi John Hurt, Pallet on the floor, Nobody’s dirty business, Chicken. etc.
Listen to how a solo guitarist entertained an audience in the 1920’s.
Peter Green’s need your love so bad
Los Lonely Boys. Taxican rock blues at its best.
“Heaven”
Guess I’m not the only one to get a bit carried away. Here are my suggestions.
Heed My Warning B.B. King
Built For Comfort Howlin’ Wolf
Champagne & Reefer Muddy Waters
Stackolina Tab Benoit
Judgement Day Mike Zito
My Babe The Fabulous Thunderbirds
Who Do You Love Bo Diddley
Stay With Me Faces
She Won’t Roll Studebaker John
There’s A Fire In The Kitchen Jeremiah Johnson Band
Saint Peter Josh Garrett Band
The Boogie Man Bernard Allison
Eric Clapton
If I had Possession over judgement Day
Try most anything by Justin Johnson. And he can play it on damn near ANYTHING! First time you ever saw the blues played on a 3-string shovel guitar. Yep, I said shovel! Check him out, he is amazing.
Sorry, I meant to put this the above post:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V9-ltPsbw9g
Joe Cocker: St. James Infirmary
Willy: Ain’t it funny how time slips away
A great blues player missing here is Walter Trout. I love is rendition of ‘Goin’ Down’ as well as many other’s. A good one by Walter would be ‘Life In The Jungle’.
Something by Lightnin’ Hopkins…because he exemplifies the complexity you can get out of simplicity – very encouraging for a beginner. He was my guitar hero when I first discovered the blues. He knew how to thrill us white college boys! The key of E is still where I mostly live.
Deep Purple – When a blind man cries.
Little Red Rooster, Howlin’ Wolf; I’m a King Be, Muddy Waters; The Blues Had a Baby and they named it Rock n’ Roll, Muddy Waters, Have You Ever Loved a Woman, Derek and the Dominos, Since I’ve been loving you, Led Zeppelin, Baby, what you want me to do?, Johnny Winter, I’m in the mood, Boogie Chillen’, and Boom Boom, John Lee Hooker; I can’t quit you babe, Led Zeppelin.
Any of the songs put forth in all of these responses are pretty much spot on. The really cool thing about pretty much all of them is when you google or youtube them, you get several versions of them by many of the gresats, from the original bluesmen up to and including the covers of their original versions by the greats of today and the recent past. Party on and Boogie Chillen’!!!
Johnny Lang Lie To Me
Freddy King – Hideway
Lipstick sunset – Ry Cooder
Dark end of the street
Blind willie Mctell – Dylan
Dust my Broom
Sky is crying
Good time Charlie’s got the blues
Did you see John Hurt
Tulane
Sweet home Chicago
Crossroads Robert J
Jesus just left Chicago by ZZTop and Steamroller Blues by James Taylor
Statesboro Blues – Allman Brothers Band
Crossroad Blues – Robert Johnson
Anything Stevie ray , James Taylor did a song called steamroller I like but then I like all James Taylor great guitar player
My favorite SRV is little sister , and life by the drop. Check those out
bad to the bone
Griff Hamlin And The Circle City Horns at Bluesapalossa
Going Down, Freddie King and Jeff Beck Group
Done Somebody Wrong, Allman Bros
Rock Me Baby, BB King
You Talk too much, many versions
Minor Fun:
Summertime, Janis and many others
Black Magic Woman, Peter Green
Midnight Rider, Allmän Bros
If you still need inspiration for the list, don’t leave out
Double Trouble from EC’s 1980s Just One Night album.
And I kind of liked Don’t lie by a certain Griff Hamlin 🙂
cheers!
Anything Gary Moore, Lonnie Mack
A couple of my favorites along with some stuff maybe some here haven’t heard:
Alchemy – Philip Sayce
Blackest Day – Joanne Shaw Taylor
Blues Get Off My Shoulder – Robert Cray
The Bluest Blues – Alvin Lee
Bones – Joanne Shaw Taylor
Breaking Up Somebody’s Home – Albert King (Warren Haynes/Joe Bonamassa’ live version also great)
Bring It On Home – Nimmo Brothers
Country Fever – Bryce Janey
Don’t Know What I’d Do – Matt Schofield
Empty Promises – Eric Steckel
Further On Up The Road – Bonamassa & Clapton (Royal Albert Hall)
Going Home – Joanne Shaw Taylor
Going To Canada – Joe Louis Walker
Gotta Leave – Back Door Slam
Highway 49 – Jeff Healey
Lonely Bed – Albert Cummings
Mean Old Town – Bryce Janey
Rain – Johnny Winter
Rainy Nights – Joe Louis Walker
So Many Roads – Joe Bonamassa
You Move Me – Rocky Athas
Mississippi John Hurt “Payday”
Don’t Call Me Stranger – Chris Smither
White Boy Lost in the Blues- Lyle Lovett
White Room by Cream
My first purchase from Griff was “Acoustic Blues Unleashed ” so I’m more inclined to original acoustic blues. My latest favorite list includes:
Junior Kimbrough
Corey Harris
Jeff Foucault
Rainer Ptacek
R L Burnside
Miss. Fred McDowell
Mary Gauthier
Genevieve Chadwick
Charlie Patton
Son House
Jim Bonney
John Hammond
Otis Taylor……and the list keeps growing.
have you ever loved a woman 2. love in vain 3. anything muddy waters 4. albert king 5.buddy guy 6. john l. hooker hoochi coochie man 7, johnny winter 8, joe bonamasa 9, keeny wayne shepard 10 stevie ray vaugn 11, eric Clapton , 12 bb king, and the list goes on but I choose to listen and play all of these and many more , so I keep looking and listening to anything I can find , andthen I learn them , if your going to play the blues , it is a state of mind , you have to put your soul into it , its more about feeling than just mechanics, it something I have played a long time , but I also play other types of music I always tell people I teach don’t just box yourself into one kind of music, but I always come back to the blues I know I should have wrote more names or songs , but I just woke up and my mind is kinda of blank right now , but playing and writing the blues and singing them is something I do a lot , so I will just it go at that.
Freddie King – Hideaway
Here’s a few names I didn’t see.
Chris Duarte
Anthony Gomes
Jay Jesse Johnson
Big thumbs up to Jay Jesse Johnson and another off the mainline grid is Mike Onesko and his Blindside Blues Band.
My favorite ” The session” with Albert King and SRV
Everything by Rory Gallagher. A forgotten legend.
Wow had to go pretty deep into the list to finally see Rory mentioned the Irish Werewolf and definitely agree. Also would add nearly anything by Ten years after (Alvin Lee) and one of my most fav blues is Jimi Hendrix Hear my train a coming on the Rainbow Bridge album also his acoustic version in the Soundtrack LP
SRV – Little Wing
Gregg Allman- Please Call Home
John Mayer- I’m Gonna Find Another You
Eric Clapton & Derek Trucks- Layla
Neil Young- Down By The River
Jimi- Red House
Leslie West’s cover of Why I Sing the Blues
Joe Bonamassa- Mountain Time
maybe best wrapped in by
BB King, John Mayer, Derek Trucks, Susan Tedeschi, Hollywood Bowl 2015
“Someone Really Loves You”
Oh so many but definitely Jimi Hendrix – Red House and for anyone who hasn’t heard it, try ‘If you believe me’ by Gillan from ‘Glory Road’ Bernie Tormé plays one of my all time favorite solos.
If I could play these 10 songs , I would be very happy!!! I’m in the front to buy that new course !!!
😎
Didnt see “Pride & Joy” yet. Gotta be one of SRVs top three!
“You Got It” Roy Orbison;
“Let Your Love Flow” Bellamy Brothers
“Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head;” BJ THomas
“Me And Bobby McGee” Kris Kristoferson
“Call Me” Chris Montez
“That’s The Kind Of Mood I’m In” Patty Loveless
“It’s A Blue World” The Moody Blues
“Houston” Dean Martin
“Boll Weevil Song” Brook Benton
“Center Field” John Fogarty
These are a few of my favorites
Glenn, love all these songs and I think Let Your Love Flow is a hidden gem but these songs are on the other side of the spectrum from blues. Still like em, though
I forgot. “Ain’t No Sunshine When She’s Gone” Johnny Winter
“Galveston” Glen Campbell (RIP)
“She Loves You” Beatles
“Willie and the Poor Boys” CCR
“I Heard It Through The Grapevine” (the long version by CCR)
My Feeling For The Blues by Freddie King, which was B.B. King’s favorite blues album. That’s a pretty good recommendation in my book.
The London Howlin’ Wolf Sessions recorded in 4 hours with Eric Clapton, Stevie Winwood, Charlie Watts and Bill Wyman
I Am The Blues by Willie Dixon, because truer words have not been spoken.
“Tribute to Elmore” by Roy Buchanan and “Key To The Highway” off Derek & The Dominos — the encyclopedia of blues licks
“Walkin Blues” Muddy Waters London Sessions with Rory Gallagher
“Got A Mind to Give Up Living” Paul Butterfield with Mike Bloomfield and Elvin Bushop
“Be Careful With A Fool”off Johnny Winter And Live with Rick Derringer, perhaps the best blues track ever, from the best 2 guitar team ever. (Listen to Johnny try to play rhythm on this album)
“Life Is Hard” (and then you die) by Johnny Wintet
“The Thrill Is Gone” live with B.B. King & Gary Moore. Increduble dueling leads. Try to figure who is who. When B.B. turned his volume up he could hold his own with almost anybody.
Stevie Ray & Albert King In Session.
“Super Blue” and “The Breeze” (among a whole bunch more) by J.J. Cale
It Ain’t Easy album from Long John Bsldry produced by Rod Stewart and Elton John
“I Love You (More Than You’ll Ever Know)” Blood Sweat & Tears
“Sportin’ Life” and “Wee Wee Hours” by (Steady Rollin’) Bob Margolin
I would offer the brilliant but short lived contributions of Michael Bloomfield…
How’s about Peter Green ie Blues Jam at Chess
J.J.Cale seems to be missing as are Robben Ford, Buddy Whittington and Matt Schofield.
Jesus just left Chicago Zz top
They are all great. I like Country Boy, Muddy Waters
Jesus just left for chicago
Zz top
Jesus just left Chicago yep good song
I Got a Mind to Give up Living – Paul Butterfield Blues Band
Mr. Blues Man – Dickey Betts
Its Not My Cross to Bear – Allman Brothers
R L Burnside – See My Jumper Hangin’ on the Line
I guess I fall in the minority of responders who enjoy the pre-rock stuff – although R L (1926 – 2005) is a sort of cross-over
also, don’t leave out Rev. Gary Davis, Candy Man, maybe
Since I’ve Been Loving You – Led Zeppelin and any blues number sung by Robert Plant who has the sweetest blues voice of all. He’s so immersed in his singing it’s a joy to hear.
Anything by Lightin’ Hopkins
Couldn’t have said it better, Jim
Especially Lightnin’ Hopkins “Have you ever loved a woman?”
True blues:
Elmore James
The Sky is Cryin
It Hurts Me Too
Down to the Crossroads
The slide work is obvious but Elmore’s voice just is the blues.
Pat B
SRV Sky is Crying live version is classic.
Ry Cooder- “Feelin bad blues”
Anything by The Griff Hamlin Band (available on iTunes 😉)
Lonnie Mack – Why?
I 2nd most of these suggestions, but I would add Beth Hart & Jeff Becks live cover of Buddy Guys’ “I’d Rather Go Blind” at the Lincoln Center tribute to Buddy……..Amazing performance! Google it….
Muddy Waters: Hoochie Coochie Man
Johnny Winter: Be careful of a Fool
Every song you mention is great. An excellent exercise is to listen then to ALL the versions of the same song, since many blues numbers have been covered numerous times. Crossroads, for example, as well as Mannish Boy, Little Red Rooster, Hound Dog even. Listen to John Lee Hooker, Lightning Hopkins, Big Mama and ALL the others mentioned above!
All excellent Griff but as the first ‘blues licks’ I could play were on ‘Tore Down’ and ‘When love comes to town’ they are extra special for me.
Madison Blues–George Thorogood
Stormy Monday–T-Bone Walker
I’d Rather Go Blind–Tedeschi, Trucks, Haynes
Key To The Highway–Clapton & BB King
Waiting For The Bus/Jesus Left Chicago–ZZ Top
Love In Vain–Rolling Stones
Little Red Rooster–Rolling Stones
Don’t forget to include Elmore James, John Mayall, Freddie and Albert King, and Etta James
Whippin’ Post..Allman Brothers
James Cotton
Cuby and the Blizzards. Through the Windows of my eyes and other songs The album of Eric Clapton and John Mayall
These two still give me chills: B.B. King’s Blues is King and Freddie King’s album Texas Cannonball.
Howlin’ Wolf Going down slow
If anyone said Son House, I didn’t see it.
Damn Son finally mentioned which reminded me of Govt Mule they rock the blues. Walk on guilded splinters by dr john and if course covered by humble pie on their epic live at the Fillmore LP
“Just Like A Woman”-Johnny Winter — “Hey Mama”- Climax Blues Band
‘Bluest Blues’ by Alvin Lee.
Incredible range of playing in just one song!!
“America, America, God Shed His Grace on Thee” Ray Charles. If you ever have heard the sign off of Mark Levin Show on Patriot Channel XM 125 radio, he plays this. Every episode. 😄
“You Can’t Always Get What You Want” by Luther Allison. This is from a MUST album of various Rolling Stones songs sung by blues singers.Album is titled -“PAINT IT BLUE”
Honest I Do by Jimmy Reed is a nice gentle way into playing the blues. Bright Lights, Big City, too?
Boz Scaggs – Loan Me a Dime
might sound odd but “drink you away” duet sung by Chris Stapleton and Justin Timberlake. (Don’t boo me. It is a good blues song.)
Kenny Wayne Shepherd – Blue on Black
Walter Trout – Pray for the Rain
Allman Brothers – It’s Not my Cross to Bear
Sonny Boy Williams – Bring It On Home
BB King – (almost anything he does) Please Love Me
Buddy Guy – Feels Like Rain
Albert King – Call It Stormy Monday
Joe Bonamassa – Blues Deluxe
Jimi Hendrix – Hear My Train a Comin’
Bobby “Blue” Bland – Ain’t No Love in the Heart of the City
Derek & The Dominos – Have You Ever Loved a Woman
I could go on but these are some that weren’t mentioned before.
Some of my favorites:
Baby please don’t go (Big Joe Williams)
I Ain’t Superstitious (Willie Dixon, by Howling wolf)
Alabama Blues (JB Lenoir)
Roadhouse Blues (Doors)
Way Down in the hole (Tom Waits)
Dimples (JL Hooker, Best of friends version)
Sitting on the top of the world (Walter Vinson, by Howling Wolf)
Am I wrong (Keb Mo)
Crawlin’ kingsnake (JL Hooker, by Buddy Guy)
Dust my broom (Robert Johnson, by Elmore James)
Satan your Kingdom must come down (traditional, by Robert Plant or The blind Revelators, or Meschiya Lake and the Little big horns)
Riot in the cell block number 9 (Dr Feelgood)
Poke salad Annie (Tony Joe White, by Captain Luke)
The Little Red Rooster (Willie Dixon, by Howling wolf)
Polk Salad Annie is one of my all time favorites!
Amos Moses by Jerry Reed
For us saxophone players (yes we are here also)
David Sandborn
Grover Vashington Jr
Mindi Abai
Boney James
Dave said Roy Buchanan. I 2nd that, but let’s get specific. “Can I Change My Mind” off the Livestock album.
Blue Jeans Blues. ZZ Top
John Lee Hooker- I’m a Man
SRV- The Sky is Crying
Etta Jamess- At Last
Led Zepplin- Since I’ve Been Loving You
Ray Charles- You Don’t Know Me
For a beginner Albert King’s, I’ll Play the Blues for You, and BB King, The Thrill is Gone, are essential.
Allmans EatA peach. John Mayall
Warren Haynes – Gov’t Mule cover of Albert King’s Feel Like Breakin’ Up Someone’s Home, Blues is alright Gov’t Mule with Little Milton, etc.
Warren Haynes is amazing!
Going outside the guitar box (pun intended):
Thelonious Monk: Blue Monk
ZZ Top, A Fool For Your Stockings.
Anything by Bugs Henderson and SRV.
Freddie King
BB king
albert king
Albert collins
Buddy Guy
SRV
Johnny winter
George thorogood
Muddy waters
Howling wolf
Eric Gales
Griss (or was it Chris) Hamlin
Also find local players that you can get out to meet & see regularly.
Alvin Lee (of Ten Years After) The Bluest Blues, great song and a darn good album
ZZ Top – A Fool For Your Stockings!!
ACOUSTIC BLUES:
John Primer: When I Get Lonely; Blues on Solid Ground
Carter Brothers version of: Deep Ellum Blues
Great instrumentals on all of the above…
Johnny Cash: Walking The Blues
These are my personal favorites
Many awesome songs listed… add three more classics…
Got My Mojo Workin’ by Muddy Waters
Messing With The Kid by Freddie King or maybe the Buddy Guy / Kid Rock version
I’m A King Bee by Muddy Waters, then try to Kenny Wayne Shepard version
Since no one seems to have mentioned them yet:
Hans Theessink – Walking the Dog and Big Bill’s Guitar (really any blues by Theessink
Roy Bookbinder – all of it
Roy Rogers and Ry Cooder – for slide stuff
Where’s Chuck Berry on this list?
He was a inspiration to a lot of these greats players including the beatles. Maybe I’m showing my age here.
Johnny B Goode was the first song/lead I ever tried to play…poorly I might add, haha.
I usually look at kurt cobains top 50 albums when someone asks such a question
George Thorogood. One bourbon one scotch one beer.
A newer artist I am enjoying is Samantha Fish, “I Put a Spell On You”.
Also forgot to mention Etta James, “The Blues is My Business”
Anything by Francine Reed — “I’m a Handful”.
The obvious starting point is to listen to the pioneers – Robert Johnson, Blind Willie McTell, Charlie Patton, Bessie Smith, Memphis Minnie etc.
However, the recording technology of the 20s and 30s can be a barrier to a young person who has never heard it before. So maybe better to go slightly later – post-WWII, when microphone technology had come along in leaps and bounds and both late direct to disc recording and the introduction of tape enabled a much more modern fidelity. So, John Lee Hooker, Little Walter, Howling Wolf, T-Bone Walker, Sonny Boy Williamson II, Elmore James, Muddy Waters. Modern amp and guitar technology really kicked off in the early-mid 50s too.
Then the 60s: Koko Taylor, John Mayall, The “3 Kings”, Charlie Musselwhite, Etta James, Clapton, Joplin, Albert Collins, Butterfield, Canned Heat, Buddy Guy, Peter Green’s Fleetwood Mac; the closer you get to the present, the more overwhelming the choices.
In the past 40 or so years, take your pick: SRV, Robert Cray, Rory Block, Keb Mo, Roy Buchanan, Bob Brozman, Eric Bibb, Fiona Boyes, Chris Whitley, Jeff Lang…
I highly recommend a fantastic box set which came out around 1992: Chess Blues, which offers a superb overview of one label’s output between 1947 and 1967. If I had to pick only one compilation which represents the post-war canon, this flawless set will immerse you in the blues over 4 CDs.
Cheers, Dave
Butterfield Better Days ‘Broke My Baby’s Heart’, Muddy ‘Sail on’, Howling Wolf ‘Killin’Floor’,Jimmy Reed ‘High Temperature’,Clapton ‘Old Love’,Down child ‘Flip flop and fly’, King Biquit Boy ‘300 lbs of Heavenly Joy.
Stevie ray Vaughn sweet little thing
Ronnie Earl “Westside Blues”
All the suggestions I have seen are great. I would tell someone to start with the book “Inside Blues Guitar” Steve James. Great book. Can’t lose. Listen to all of the greats. I would also get the David Mead “100 Tips for Blues Guitar” Great book for someone starting out to discover the blues.
theres one I feel should be there that hasn’t been mentioned Joe Satriani
Joe Satriani is a great guitarist — but I wouldn’t classify him as blues. So for an introduction to blues guitar masters (which the list appears to be) I don’t think he’d be on it. Now, for an intro on guitar shredders he’d be near the top! 🙂
Jimmy Thackey -Licking Gravy
SRV-Things I use to do
Gary Moore- Pretty Women
Luther Allison – Bad Love
Robert Cray- I’d rather be a Wino
Freddie King -Hideaway
Pee Wee Cragton- Blues acer hours
Johnny Copeland – Flying High
Jimmy Hendrix – Power of Love
BUDDY GUY – (DAM ANY SONG) !!
You can’t start with anything other than Robert Johnson. The Centenial Collection is great. If you listen to Eric Clapton’s Album Me & Mr Johnson straight afterwards, you can see how far you can take arrangemgements and it’s still the blues…..
Follow that with the following must have albums to see what type of blues music really gets into your guitar-playing soul:
100 Blues Classics
Albert King – Born Under A Bad Sign
Gary Moore – The Best Of The Blues
Jimi Hendrix – Blues (for something about different)
Stevie Ray Vaughan – Texas Flood (not my thing – too “heavy jazz”!)
Any Peter Green stuff.
Oops….can’t help giving my personal twist on this question….
Great comment!
Drowning on dry land / Tad Benoitt
Bridge of sighs Robbin Trower
Please do not leave out of this list the guy that introduced me to the blues Lightnin Hopkins – about 1965
Double oops – how could I have forgotten to mention Lightnin’ Hopkins!!! Another must listen
Agreed!!
All the standards seem to be covered, as well as some of the more “flavorful” pickings. I’ll add:
Rack ‘Em Up -Johnny Lang
Good Morning Little Schoolgirl -Johnny Lang
In the Morning- Joe Louis Walker
The one in the Middle- Robert Cray
The Blues Come Walkin’ In- Tab Benoit.
Worry Worry BB King Live at the Regal. Indeginious Live at Pacaderm Red House Muddy Waters. Live in Washington 2 Sets with Johnny Winter . Listen to all of it . Muddy has Pine Top Willie BIG EYES Smith Junior Wells Jerry Portnous on the lil ol Harp and last but not least Bob Marcolin Rory Gallagher Irish Tour all of it.
oh and “So Many Roads” by Otis Rush
All of Robert Johnson (the Lomax bros recordings)
All of Willie Dixon’s “I Am the Blues”
Sleepy John Estes, “Drop Down Mama”
The Paul Butterfield Blues Band — “Blues With A Feeling”
Big Head Todd & The Monsters – Midnight Radio
Gary Moore, still got the blues album is probably where it all started for me & it was my real inspiration to learn guitar in the first place! The Sky is crying & Walking by my self are two great tracks 😎
Oh yea, I almost forgot. If you need some slower blues listen to “12:15 Slow Goonbash Blues” also on the Kooper Session album featuring Shuggie Otis.
I’m in the Mood – John Lee Hooker and Bonnie Raitt
Something To Talk About. Bonnie Raitt
A little left field but;
– “One Foot in The Blues” ZZ Top
– “Blue & Lonesome” Rolling Stones
Johnny Winter – Nothin’ But the Blues (album)
Johnny Winter – Progressive Blues Experiment album)
When I really want to get into a blues mood:
– I Put a Spell On You, (David Gilmour/Mica Paris or Screamin Jay Hawkins)
– You Can Keep Your Hat On, (Randy Newman or Joe Cocker)
– Sweet Home Chicago, (Freddie King)
Kenny Wayne Shepherd – Blue on Black
Joe Bonnamassa – Happier Times (Live)
John Mayer – Out of My Mind (Live)
Dire Straits – Once Upon a Time in the West
Indiginous – Evolution Revolution
John Hiatt – Feels like Rain
J.J. Cale – Hard to Thrill
(Tell him to look for songs over 7 minutes……:O)
Love the “left field” list! Great choices!
“Blues w/ a Feeling” and “Last Night”, both by the Paul Butterfield Blues Band featuring Mike Bloomfield. “Shuggie’s Shuffle” on the Al Kooper, Kooper Sessions album featuring Shuggie Otis.
Talk To Your Daughter – Robben Ford
Slim harpo Peter green Jimmy reed junior wellshowlin wolf muddy waters little Walter
Griff hamlin 😎🎶
Robin Trower-Bridge of Sighs (album)
Jimi Hendrix-Villanova Junction
Memphis Minnie – Me and My Chauffeur.
Little Walter – My Babe.
Johnny Winter – Broke Down Engine (I Think that’s what the song is called?)
Dr. Feelgood – She Does It Right (Although not strictly blues, it’s a great blues influenced track)
It Hurts Me Too from Luther Allison’s Live in Chicago set
Robert Cray
Jimmy Page solo in I Can’t Quit You Baby.
Fleetwood Mac, Need Your Love So Bad
Rory Gallagher – Irish Tour 74
(listening & viewing)
about time someone finally said Rory’s name !!
half those people mentioned all talk about how Rory influenced them
got one Rory song under my belt
and a lifetime to still keep on trying
OK, how about:
If you like some horns with your blues
Driftin and Driftin Paul Butterfield The Resurrection of Pigboy Crabshaw
Killin Floor The Electric Flag
Angelina Keb Mo
Leavin’ Trunk Taj Mahal
Led Zeppelin – Since I’ve Been Loving You
Led Zeppelin – Tea For One
Howlin’ Wolf – Little Red Roster
Some ideas (which betray my age..)
Jimi Hendrix – Red House, Voodoo Chile
Gary Clark Jr. – Catfish Blues (or Hendrix or Muddy Waters)
Jeff Beck – Cause We’ve Ended as Lovers
Led Zeppelin – Since I’ve Been Loving You
Freddie King – Going Down, Hideaway
Driftin’ Blues (Eric Clapton). Ramblin’ on My Mind (Eric Clapton), Boom Boom (John Lee Hooker).
I prefer T-Bone Walkers original Stormy Monday, but if we’re going to throw the Allman Brothers in then you have to include Whipping Post.
Fleetwood Mac – Stop Messin’ Around – or anything from Peter Green!
Come On In My Kitchen – Backsliders or Clapton
Killing Floor – Howlin’ Wolf – great recording from the London Sessions
Robben Ford. Real Man, You cut me to the bone. For something different!
The Stumble Freddie King…. love a lesson on that, especially the GaryMoore version
The whole cd—- Blues For Greeny by Gary Moore
Good call!😎 my 2 favorite players, you can’t go wrong with that album!
Red House- Jimi Hendrix
Staesboro Blues- Allman Bros
Hootchie Coochie Man- Muddy Waters
Backdoor Man- Howlin Wolf
T-Bone Walker – Mean Old World
Buddy Guy – A Man And The Blues
Albert King – Personal Manager
Lonnie Brooks – You Know What My Body Needs
Son Seals – Call My Job
Lonnie Johnson – Too Late To Cry
Gary Clark jr. :
If trouble was money.
And
When my train pulls in.( Live at Glastonbury 2016.)
Also
Boz Scaggs:
Loan me a dime. (Live)
I went to wikipedia when I wanted to know some of the blues standards. It was helpful to me.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_blues_standards
Brilliant Jalapeno! Thanks
Nice! Thank you.
Love this alternative version of “Crossroads at an empty Fillmore….
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-twOjwBORwg
One of my favourites too 🙂
A full offering at its highest of phrasing, timing, and melting major and minor is found in – I Need Your Live So bad – done by Gary Moore. Choose the live version 9:03 in length. Something there for every level of player. No need for theroy, just watch and immulate.
Hey I agree. Love it. Actually anything Gary Moore.