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 Masterpieces: From Prewar Blues to Blues Rock (71–80)
The Things That I Used to DoGuitar Slim
A song called the “Devil’s song” by Guitar Slim.
While most hit songs of the time were limited to specific regions, this track was a rare R&B song that was popular in both the North and the South of the United States.
It held the No.
1 spot on the R&B chart for six weeks.
Boogie Chillen’John Lee Hooker
John Lee Hooker, who grew up on a plantation in Mississippi, launched his full-fledged career after showing up at Bernard Besman’s Detroit record store/label office in 1948 to perform a demo.
On this hit track, all the vocals and guitar are performed solely by John himself, and the tapping sound of the footwork comes from bottle caps attached to the soles of his shoes.
Choo choo ch’boogieLouis Jordan
Louis Jordan was a saxophonist from Arkansas whose music combined elements of big band jazz and blues.
He is classified as jump blues.
“Choo Choo Ch’Boogie” is a classic jump blues number full of swing.
Just Want To Make Love To YouMuddy Waters
Muddy Waters is honored as the “Father of Chicago Blues” for laying the foundation of the genre.
“I Just Want To Make Love To You” was composed by Willie Dixon.
The first recording was by Muddy Waters in April 1954.
It’s a Chicago blues performed in a band style, with a smoky piano and a harmonica solo that sets the perfect mood.
It really makes you want a drink.
Pride and JoyStevie Ray Vaughan
A song released in 1983 by Texas singer and guitarist Stevie Ray Vaughan with his backing band Double Trouble.
It is one of his most famous songs.
He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2015.
Hoochie Coochie ManWillie Dixon
Willie Dixon was a songwriter, producer, bassist, and singer from Vicksburg, Mississippi.
He composed many famous blues songs.
Hoochie Coochie Man became a big hit when sung by Muddy Waters, but it was originally written by Willie Dixon.
I’d Rather Go BlindEtta James
A Southern blues song that Etta James wrote in 1967 after visiting her friend Ellington “Fugi” Jordan in prison.
It has been covered by many artists, including the British blues band Chicken Shack.