Roundup of Famous Overseas Blues Guitarists
Have you ever come across a song, or a part of a song, being described as “bluesy” while listening to rock or pop? There are many forms of the blues, which is said to be the origin of jazz and rock, and its style can’t be summed up in a single phrase.
Still, those plaintive phrases that evoke the sorrowful historical backdrop in which the blues was born feel distinctly “bluesy,” don’t they? This time, we’re spotlighting legendary guitarists who represent the blues—icons every beginner should know first, along with guitarists who’ve been gaining attention in recent years.
The soulful playing of these blues guitarists might just change your outlook on life!
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Famous Overseas Blues Guitarists Compilation (31–40)
Killing FloorJimi Hendrix
Jimi Hendrix, affectionately known as “Jimi Hen.” The greatest rock guitarist of all time was an artist who conveyed the spirit of the blues in any song.
Had he not died so young, he would surely have changed not only the history of rock but that of the blues as well.
Mister MagicJohnny ”Guitar” Watson
Johnny “Guitar” Watson created a uniquely individual sound while drawing from the Texas blues tradition.
He thrived not only within the blues but also in genres like funk and R&B.
Still, as you can hear in the solo on this track, his skills as a blues guitarist are unquestionably top-tier.
Lie To MeJonny Lang
A precocious, genius blues guitarist who made his CD debut at 14: Jonny Lang.
While he hasn’t achieved massive mainstream success, he’s still active on the front lines today.
His style is often compared to Stevie Ray Vaughan’s, but there’s no doubt he’s a guitarist with outstanding technique.
TroubleKeith Richards
He is a British guitarist and a founding member of The Rolling Stones.
Hailing from Dartford, Kent, he formed the band under the influence of Muddy Waters and Chuck Berry.
In their early days, his playing did not go beyond straightforward blues covers.
Double TroubleMonster Mike Welch
He’s a Boston-born guitarist who was mainly active in the 1990s.
While he may not be widely known, his technique was highly regarded.
In particular, his phrasing in minor blues and his ability to construct solos were outstanding, and this video showcases those strengths in full.
Summary of famous overseas blues guitarists (41–50)
Watcha gonna do ?Peter Green
A British guitarist.
Active in the field of blues rock and a founding member of Fleetwood Mac, one of the three major British blues-rock bands.
He was primarily influenced by Muddy Waters and B.B.
King.
Smoking GunRobert Cray
Robert Cray, who rose to popularity in the 1980s as a new-generation blues guitarist.
“Smoking Gun” is both his debut single and his biggest hit.
While Cray excels at minor-key blues, his music reveals not only a sense of freshness but also glimpses of the longstanding traditions of Texas and Memphis blues.