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 Pre-War Blues to Blues Rock (1–10)
Red HouseJimi Hendrix
Jimi Hendrix, the legendary guitarist loved by fans around the world for his high-level guitar technique.
In Japan, he’s affectionately known as “Jimi Hen.” Despite being left-handed, his distinctive style of flipping a right-handed guitar upside down has had a huge influence on today’s guitarists.
A song of his I highly recommend is Red House.
While he’s strongly associated with rock, this track stands as one of his signature blues numbers and continues to be loved to this day.
Mojo HandLightning’ Hopkins
Lightnin’ Hopkins, known as a leading figure in country blues.
He stood apart from other blues musicians, releasing many songs with anti-war and peace themes, as well as lyrics meant to uplift listeners.
His “Mojo Hand,” however, is a rare example among his works: a straightforward love song.
Pay attention to its almost deranged lyrics, in which the narrator goes to buy a voodoo charm to keep the woman he loves from getting any other lovers!
The Thrill Is GoneB.B. King
When talking about the blues, the great guitarist B.B.
King is absolutely indispensable.
Not only was he an outstanding guitarist, he was also highly regarded for his musicality.
Before he came onto the scene, the mainstream was the so-called gritty blues centered around 6/8 time, but he arranged urban, sophisticated melodies into the blues.
A masterpiece that lets you fully savor his musical sensibilities is The Thrill Is Gone.
Be sure to check out the melody, which, in a good way, doesn’t feel stereotypically “bluesy.”
Boom boomJohn Lee Hooker
John Lee Hooker, a blues musician from Mississippi who gained international popularity with his distinctive boogie style, enjoyed a career spanning over 50 years and was affectionately known as the “King of Boogie” for his signature sound and commanding presence.
The track Boom Boom, featured on his acclaimed album Greatest Hits Vol.
2, showcases his outstanding musicianship and earned the Grammy Award for Best Traditional Blues Album.
Got My Mojo WorkingMuddy Waters
Muddy Waters is one of the most important figures in the history of Chicago blues.
Known as the “Father of Chicago Blues,” he had a major influence on shaping the genre.
His song “Got My Mojo Working” is renowned as one of his signature tunes, showcasing his powerful bottleneck guitar and his deep, soulful vocals.
Although the original song was by gospel singer Ann Cole, Muddy’s version is heavily rearranged.
If you’d like to enjoy the differences, be sure to listen to both and compare.
Born Under A Bad SignAlbert King
Albert King, a blues guitarist beloved as one of the “Three Kings of the Blues” alongside B.B.
King and Freddie King.
In addition to his advanced guitar technique, his musicality has been highly praised, and in his later years he released blues works with strong rock elements.
Born Under a Bad Sign is a renowned masterpiece of his, and it was a major hit on the R&B charts at the time.
I Can’t Quit You BabyOtis Rush
Otis Rush, a blues guitarist from Philadelphia, is a quintessential Chicago blues artist who, along with Buddy Guy and Magic Sam, made major contributions to the genre’s development.
A standout track I recommend is “I Can’t Quit You Baby.” Its West Side–style guitar work is especially striking, and it was covered by bands like Led Zeppelin and the Rolling Stones.