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 (31–40)
The Midnight SpecialLead Belly
This is the song that was used as the theme for the popular late-1970s TV show “The Midnight Special.” Many blues artists have recorded this song, and it has also been covered by musicians from various genres, such as ABBA, Van Morrison, and Johnny Rivers.
Everybody Needs Somebody To LoveSolomon Burke
A song written by Solomon Burke—pioneer of soul and country music and an inductee of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame—together with Bert Berns and Jerry Wexler.
This song, which praises the virtues of a loved one, has become one of Burke’s most famous tracks.
Green OnionsBooker T&The MG’s
Booker T.
& the MG’s were the house band for Stax Records, the Memphis soul music label.
They recorded with many artists, including Wilson Pickett, Otis Redding, and Isaac Hayes.
This track became popular in dance clubs in the UK, and later drew attention when it was featured in the film Quadrophenia, which included appearances by artists such as Sting.
Hey HeyEric Clapton
Eric Clapton is a guitarist and singer-songwriter from the United Kingdom.
Rather than a pure blues musician, he might be described as a British blues-rock musician who achieved success as a rock artist.
On “Hey Hey,” he offers a calm, restrained performance.
MaybelleneChuck Berry
This song evolved from Bob Wills & His Texas Playboys’ early-1950s hillbilly tune “Ida Red.” It tells the story of a girl who keeps getting deceived by a man, with various cars appearing in the lyrics.
Chuck Berry was 29 years old when he recorded the song.
Blues Masterpieces: From Prewar Blues to Blues Rock (41–50)
Have you ever loved a womanFreddie King
Freddie King, from Gilmer, Texas, is hailed as one of the three great Kings of the blues alongside B.B.
King and Albert King.
“Have You Ever Loved a Woman” is a masterpiece that has been covered by many blues-rock musicians, including Eric Clapton.
Get BackBig Bill Broonzy
It’s a masterpiece that conveys the primal power of the blues.
The anger and sorrow toward social inequality and racial discrimination are infused into Big Bill Broonzy’s powerful voice and guitar.
Released in January 2007, this track is widely known as one of his signature works and stands as an important song symbolizing the era of the blues revival.
It’s recommended not only for those interested in the history of the blues and social issues, but also for anyone who wants to hear people’s voices through music.
Savor this gem of a song, steeped in Big Bill Broonzy’s life experience and resonating deeply in the heart.