Recommended for rock fans too! — A classic album of modern blues
The birth of the blues, often called the root of rock ’n’ roll and jazz, dates back to the late 19th century.
Its forms are diverse and can’t be summed up in a single phrase: from Delta blues and country blues—often referred to as prewar blues—to Chicago blues and modern blues, which developed after the war in Chicago and incorporated electric instruments.
In this article, we introduce classic blues albums whose style and spirit continue to be carried on by many musicians even in the 2020s.
The lineup focuses mainly on modern blues that’s easy for beginners to enjoy, so even those who usually listen to rock will find it accessible.
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Recommended for rock fans too! — Masterpieces of Modern Blues (111–120)
walkin’ bluesSon House
Musically educated musicians like Lonnie Johnson were rare in prewar blues.
Self-taught bluesman Son House, with his aggressive slide guitar and vibrato-laden voice, was a towering figure of Delta blues who enjoyed tremendous popularity.
Recommended for rock fans too! — Masterpieces of Modern Blues (121–130)
Bring It On HomeSonny Boy Williamson II
The album jacket with the hat and harmonica has such a refined, tasteful vibe! It’s a bit confusing because several famous blues musicians released album series with the same title around the same time, but the The Real Folk Blues introduced here, released in 1966, is by Sonny Boy Williamson II, a quintessential blues singer and harmonica player.
It’s part of a series conceived by the prestigious Chess Records, with heavyweights like Howlin’ Wolf and Muddy Waters also contributing releases.
Among these artists, Sonny Boy—born in 1899 and likely the eldest—compiled The Real Folk Blues from recordings made in Chicago between 1957 and 1964.
It features leading figures of Chicago blues and is a collection where you can truly savor the essence of classic Chicago blues.
Most of the tracks were penned by Sonny Boy himself, and the album includes the blues classic Checkin’ Up on My Baby as well as Willie Dixon’s Bring It On Home, which is also known for being covered by Led Zeppelin.
Ain’t Gone ‘n’ Give Up On LoveStevie Ray Vaughan
Stevie Ray Vaughan, a musician from southern Texas like Lightnin’ Hopkins, played blues-based music and became a major hit with his exceptional guitar technique.
This is one of the classic blues numbers he performed live.
texas floodStevie Ray Vaughan
A white blues guitarist from Texas.
He was one of the white bluesmen who truly understood and could express the essence and soul of the blues.
Leading his own band, Double Trouble, he created many classic songs.
His tragic death in a helicopter crash while traveling after a live show was shocking.
He was 35 years old.
Leaving TrunkTAJ MAHAL
Experience the innovative sound that opened up the future of the blues! Taj Mahal’s self-titled debut album, released in 1968, is a masterpiece that breathed new life into traditional blues.
Boldly reimagining songs by pioneers like Blind Willie McTell and Sleepy John Estes, it sparked attention with its fresh sonic approach that incorporated elements of electric blues and folk blues.
The participation of accomplished guitarists such as Jesse Ed Davis and Ry Cooder further enhances the album’s appeal.
While honoring the blues tradition, its pursuit of new forms of expression influenced many musicians and can be said to have laid the foundation for the modern blues scene.
M&O BluesWillie Brown
Willie Brown, born in 1900 in Clarksdale, Mississippi, was an American guitarist and singer.
He is known for having taught Robert Johnson guitar and also performed with artists such as Charley Patton and Son House.
He recorded sessions for Paramount in 1930, including M&O Blues and Future Blues.
Brown SugerZZ Top
ZZ Top is widely remembered as an electric boogie band that took the 1980s by storm, but few people accurately recognize that their roots are in a hard-core blues band.
Billy Gibbons, the guitarist, is also a superb blues player, and his technique is highly regarded by connoisseurs.