Blues masterpieces—from prewar blues to blues rock
A wellspring of inspiration for rock ’n’ roll and a genre adored by the giants of music history, the blues is a style that reveals deeper and deeper richness the more you listen.
That said, even rock fans who are somewhat interested may feel there’s a high barrier to getting into it.
In this article, for those who are about to step into the world of the blues, we’ll present—at a glance—the essential classics and fan favorites you can’t skip when talking about the blues, spanning everything from prewar blues to Chicago blues and blues rock.
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Blues Classics: From Prewar Blues to Blues Rock (61–70)
Statesboro BluesThe Allman Brothers Band
A song originally recorded by the once-popular blues musician Blind Willie McTell.
Duane Allman practiced this song many times and learned to play bottleneck slide guitar.
At his funeral, the song was performed on guitar by Dickey Betts.
Mustang SallyWilson Pickett
A song about a girl living a wild life, riding in a new Mustang.
It was written by Bonny Rice, also known as Sir Mack Rice.
The track was used in the 1991 film The Commitments, which depicts an Irish soul band.
Ride Captain RideBlues Image
A song written by lead singer Mike Pinera and keyboard player Skip Konte.
It’s a story born from their imagination.
The recording is also known for adopting the Rhodes electric piano at an early stage.
It became The Blues Image’s only hit.
Me and the Devil BluesRobert Johnson
A song recorded in Dallas on Sunday, June 20, 1937.
It has been covered by many artists, including the Peter Green Splinter Group, Cowboy Junkies, Eric Clapton, and Soap&Skin.
Please Come Home For ChristmasCharles Brown
Charles Brown was a blues pianist and singer born in Texas City, Texas.
His ‘Please Come Home for Christmas’ is a sweet, sophisticated ballad that has been covered by many artists, including Bon Jovi.
Bell Bottom BluesDerek and the Dominos
A song written by Eric Clapton and Bobby Whitlock.
It was included on Derek and the Dominos’ only studio album, Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs, and was released as a single in 1971.
Still Got The BluesGary Moore
This song is the title track from Gary Moore’s multi-million selling album.
In late 2008, a German court ruled that Gary plagiarized the guitar solo from the 1974 song “Nordrach” and ordered him to pay damages.