Best Blues Artists

He was the prophet of deep blues

Sure there's more high tech blues artists out there who sound a little better. but he was 30 years ahead of his time! This guy is a 1 man orchestra.

He has influenced so many people, and many artists have had hits covering his music, definitely top 5 greatest guitarists of all time.

I believe him to be the origin of the Blues.

Far and away the most influential artist/musician of the Blues, and is therefore the most deserving of #1 in my opinion. Muddy grew up in the Mississippi Delta during the early years of the 20th Century and learned how to play and perform through the likes of early blues masters such as Son House and Robert Johnson. Muddy developed his sound throughout the late 1930's through the 1950's and came up with masterpiece blues tracks that spurred entire new genres of music, not the least of which is Rock & Roll. How can we forget that some of the largest figures in music have credited Muddy with laying the template for their sound. Chuck Berry was mentored by him in the early years of Chess Records. The Rolling Stones even named their band after one of Water's most prominent tracks "Rollin' Stone". The late BB King was legendary, no doubt, but Muddy was certainly more influential overall when it came to the Blues. A lot could also be said of Robert Johnson as far as being equally ...more

He should be number one. Even though Blues rock artist have better blues songs like The Rolling Stone and Jimi Hendrix but There are not really blues artist. I would pick blues artist like Joe Bonamassa and Stevie Ray Vaughan but more people would vote for Muddy Waters over them. Muddy Waters have more of a chance of being number one and be high than Robert Johnson them the other 2.I don't have a favorite blues artist I like BB King, Muddy Waters Joe Bonamassa and Stevie Ray Vaughan all the same. If I have to pick what blues artist I like the best it would be JB and SRV Than Muddy Waters. I do like all 4 blues artist I said way more than 20s and 30 artist like Robert Johnson and Blind Willie Johnson more because there more and I like rock music the best and 60 to 90s all the best year for music and rock the hardest and coolest. Muddy Waters do have music that sound likes the 60s and 70s listen to Mannish Boy from Hard Again. The 4 blues artist I said I like just as much as the rock ...more

I don't know. It's impossible to choose; they all have something special about them that makes them stand out, whether it be vocals, guitar or harmonica playing... I couldn't even begin to remix this list. Without doubt Muddy is an incredible blues artist. He was one of the first Blues artists I was introduced to and fell in love with but I've heard so so many more amazing artists since. As I really can't decide, Mud gets my vote for sentimental reasons. - Britgirl

Obviously the greatest artist in the history of blues, his style is the most imitated in the whole genre

Man oh man I wish I would have seen him live.. Man oh man she done you wrong, bourbon n smile.. Love ya brother!...

I love this man. He flirted with pop with songs like "Into The Night" "My Lucille" and a few others which don't spring to mind right now, but he never strayed far from Blues; always adding his own uniqueness, great guitar and vocals. He remained faithful to the commitment he made to it. Is he the best? Well, perhaps not THE best but he certainly belongs in a high position on this list. - Britgirl

B.B. king was the four S's... Soul, Skill, Style and he is Smooth!

B.B.KING should be number 1.

What can I say? For me SRV is still No. 1! Just listen to this very gifted guitar player! I'm sure you'll agree and will enjoy Stevie's immense talent.

SRV had style, tone, passion, knew when to play and not, soul, a voice that matched his guitar skills and if you ever watched him I swear the man sweated quarter notes!

Stevie Ray Vaughan has a great voice, tone, and plays the guitar well. He rules! Too bad he died at the age of 35.R.I.P. We will miss you.

SRV & Double Trouble

Come on people... He's one of the greatest blues player ever...

Very good

Evolved blues greatly inspiring basically everyone to come after him. Never ever left his blues roots in any song. Then proved truly that he was a real blues man in his later blues albums where he covered many old hits, made new songs in traditional style, and played with greats like King - Dannyjalonso

Should be above the severely overrated SRV - guyritchi

One of the greatest guitarrists ever

This is the guy that everybody else learned from. Best. Guitarist. Ever.

Eric Clapton himself said this guy was the best guitarist ever. He can play one note, and it would sound like the best note you've ever heard. I think he should be placed at 3 and Muddy Waters at 4.

Best guitarist. Best living and playing

I'm a lefty who plays upside down!

Easily top 5.

It's not just his incredible way with the harmonica, or his passion for the music; the way he sings those songs that I love...it's more than that... He had / has charisma. Not every talented artist has that. - Britgirl

The master of the telecaster. The iceman.

I LISTEN TO joe a lot and I am a big fan.

Definite top 10 if not top 5 right now. Simply a master of his craft. Did it his own way and stayed true to the music.

Blues of Desperation, Driving Toward The Daylight, Different Shades Of Blue! WOW! Definitely should be higher in the list!

Sloe Gin, Ballad of John Henry, Stop, Blue and Evil, and Dust Bowl if you want a few examples...

He needs to be higher this is shocking

Good God number 25...

Gary Moore means rock and blues, like feelings and dreams. RESPECT THAT!

Still got the blues and The messiah will come again are the key tracks. They will blow your mind! (°_°)

Great player. Overlooked I believe because of brother Edgars one hit wonder. Texas blues begins

He should totally be in the top ten.

Underrated! One of the best songwriters and guitarists, period. A defining artist of this century.

Bonnie has amazing slide guitar skills, stage presence, a wonderful voice to match that guitar playing; her style is so sassy classic.

Eric burdon just inbodies blues when he sings House Of The Rising Sun. Great band, favorite blues band.