Top 10 Blues Covers by British Blues and Blues Rock Musicians

In the 1960s, the blues thrived in Britain, and many of its leading figures would go on to blend blues with rock and roll. Many British bands covered songs by earlier American artists. In the early days, those covers were often more faithful to the original style, but over time, more and more blues songs were rearranged as rock songs.

It doesn't matter whether the song originally came from the Delta or Chicago, as long as it was covered by a British artist. Feel free to add more examples.

The Top Ten

All Your Love - John Mayall & the Bluesbreakers & Eric Clapton

Everything about this cover is awesome: the vocals, Eric Clapton's guitar playing, and the way the rhythmic feel changes midway through. This is a great cover.
Spoonful - Cream

A really solid and heavy Howlin' Wolf cover. I love Clapton's solo in this one. They sort of take it out into uncharted territory.
I'm a Man - The Yardbirds

They took a Bo Diddley song and made it into an uptempo foot-stomper. At the end, it goes into a fast rave-up where it starts out quiet but gets louder and more intense. I get an amazing rush of energy each time I listen to it.
I Ain't Superstitious - Jeff Beck

Another Howlin' Wolf cover. Jeff Beck's wah-wah on this song is fantastic. The first time I heard it, it blew my mind.
Boom Boom - The Animals

Originally by John Lee Hooker. Their version is upbeat, and it's a lot of fun to listen to.
I Can't Quit You Baby - Led Zeppelin

Although Led Zeppelin ripped off many blues songs as part of making their own arrangements, they did give Willie Dixon full credit for this song. It's great to hear them do a slow blues.
Little Red Rooster - The Rolling Stones

This song is important in British blues history because it is the only blues song ever to hit number one on the British singles chart. It also helped broaden Howlin' Wolf's career in Britain.

Excellent list, Gg2000! I love this by the Stones, who also covered I Can't Quit You Baby (I haven't yet heard it by Led Zep, but I will).
Shake Your Moneymaker - Fleetwood Mac

An uptempo cover of an Elmore James classic. Apparently, Jeremy Spencer was a big fan of his.
The Stumble - Love Sculpture

Love Sculpture was Dave Edmunds' first major band before he became a semi-successful solo artist and record producer. This song is a cover of a Freddie King song, and it's really solid.
Terraplane Blues - Foghat

Unlike the rest of the bands on this list, Foghat emerged in the 70s and had more of a hard rock style. However, they were strongly influenced by the blues and did several blues covers, such as this version of a Robert Johnson song.