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 (21–30)
Minnie the MoocherCab Calloway
A song written by bandleader, jazz composer, and singer Cabell “Cab” Calloway III and Irving Mills.
It was first recorded in 1931 by Cab Calloway and his band, and over the following decade it became their signature piece.
Bright LightsGary Clark Jr.
A song written by Gary Clark Jr.
that portrays “wandering around an exciting, new, and energy-filled New York.” It was first included on the 2010 EP Gary Clark Jr.
The track was used in a 2011 Jack Daniel’s commercial.
On The Road AgainCanned Heat
A song written by Floyd Jones and Alan “Blind Owl” Wilson.
After studying the veena (an Indian stringed instrument) at UCLA, Wilson acquired knowledge of Eastern music.
Released in 1968, this track became one of Canned Heat’s most famous songs.
MISTY BLUEDOROTHY MOORE
It was originally written as a country song in 1966.
The following year, it was covered by Ella Fitzgerald, and Joe Simon released an original R&B version in 1972.
Dorothy Moore, who had been a member of the female vocal group The Poppies and went solo in the mid-1970s, covered the song, and this version became her biggest hit.
Dust My BroomElmore James
Elmore James, a guitarist who gained popularity for playing electric guitar in a bottleneck style, was mentored by Robert Johnson.
Armed with the advanced guitar techniques he learned from Johnson, he left behind several classic songs.
He scored a very late-blooming hit in 1951, but sadly passed away from illness about a decade later, in 1963.
Dust My Broom is known as one of his signature works, leaving a powerful impact during his short period of activity.
First Time I Met The BluesBuddy Guy
Buddy Guy is a quintessential Chicago blues guitarist.
His guitar style is extremely high-energy and is highly acclaimed by many rock fans as well.
Not only is his guitar technique outstanding, but he is also an exceptional vocalist—his shouts, especially in the mid to high range, are truly top-tier.
One of his classic songs is “First Time I Met the Blues,” a track where you can savor both his high-level vocals and guitar playing.
Traveling Riverside BluesLed Zeppelin
Originally written and recorded by Robert Johnson.
Led Zeppelin first performed it in 1969 for a BBC session.
Jimmy Page plays this song on a 12-string acoustic guitar.