The Best Blues Artists of All Time

Coley Reed
Updated May 16, 2024 1.4M views 181 items
Ranked By
135.5K votes
23.3K voters
Voting Rules
Best artists of the blues music genre
Latest additions: Jeff Beck, Lead Belly, Odetta
Most divisive: Ike & Tina Turner
Over 23.3K Ranker voters have come together to rank this list of The Best Blues Artists of All Time

Whether you like Muddy Waters, Robert Johnson, or Etta James, there's no denying that they're some of the most famous blues musicians of all time. This list of blues singers ranks the best blues music artists, singers, and musicians, and has been voted on and ranked by blues fans worldwide. These best blues singers are known for their great voices and music that will stand the test of time, and for spearheading legendary tracks with their good blues bands.

Note that this ranking is for blues artists only - no best blues rock bands here. Many of the greatest blues-men, old blues singers, and female blues artists are sadly no longer with us, but their legacies live on, often in rock artists who sold millions more records with versions of classic blues songs written by these great blues legends.

Who are the greatest blues artists? The featured musicians below are the best blues musicians that the world has to offer: from the Mississippi Delta to the streets of Chicago, Detroit, and even London. Make sure to vote for the blues greats whom you consider to be the top blues artists of all time.

  • Bessie Smith
    31

    Bessie Smith

    Squeeze Me, The World's Greatest Blues Singer, 1923-1933 Empress of the Blues
    1,048 votes

    See: The Best Albums Of Bessie Smith

    Dubbed the "Empress of the Blues," this pioneering singer's powerful voice and emotive delivery made her one of the most successful artists of her time. As an early ambassador of the genre, she introduced the world to the depth, passion, and power of blues music. Today, her status as a music icon and an enduring influence on popular culture remains firmly intact.

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  • Duane Allman
    32

    Duane Allman

    Duane Allman: An Anthology, Skydog: The Duane Allman Retrospective, Ton-Ton Macoute!
    1,027 votes

    An extraordinarily talented guitarist, this founding member of the Allman Brothers Band brought a fresh, innovative approach to the blues, incorporating elements of rock, jazz, and soul. Known for his mastery of slide guitar and live improvisation, he left a lasting impact on both the genre and his fellow musicians. Tragically taken before his time, his influence continues to resonate in popular culture and the world of blues music.

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  • Jimmy Reed
    33

    Jimmy Reed

    Big Boss Man, The Vee-Jay Box: The Complete Singles and Other Rarities, Ain't That Loving You Baby: Singles As & Bs 1953-1961
    1,022 votes

    See: The Best Albums Of Jimmy Reed

    An influential figure in the Chicago blues scene, this artist's distinctive harmonica and guitar playing, paired with his laidback vocal style, made him a favorite among fans and fellow musicians alike. His importance to the world of blues music is undeniable, as his innovative sound paved the way for many artists who followed in his footsteps. As a towering presence in popular culture, his influence can still be felt today.

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  • Charlie Patton
    34

    Charlie Patton

    The Rough Guide to Blues Legends: Charley Patton, Founder of the Delta Blues, This Is the Blues
    1,012 votes

    See: The Best Albums Of Charlie Patton

    Often referred to as the "Father of the Delta Blues," this pioneering musician's innovative guitar work and powerful vocal delivery laid the foundation for the genre we know today. His music, infused with raw emotion and timeless melodies, remains a touchstone for fans and artists alike. A true legend of the blues, his impact on popular culture and the music industry is immeasurable.

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  • Joe Bonamassa
    35

    Joe Bonamassa

    Driving Towards the Daylight, A New Day Yesterday, Seesaw
    1,513 votes

    A modern-day blues icon, this virtuosic guitarist and singer has earned his place among the greats with his fiery performances and masterful musicianship. With a deep understanding and respect for the genre's rich history, he seamlessly combines traditional blues with modern rock elements, introducing a new generation of fans to the music. As a beloved figure in popular culture, his influence continues to grow and shape the future of the blues.

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  • Mississippi Fred McDowell
    36

    Mississippi Fred McDowell

    You Gotta Move, The Best of Mississippi Fred McDowell, I Do Not Play No Rock 'n' Roll
    511 votes

    As an influential figure in the development of the Delta blues, this talented slide guitarist's raw, emotive playing style left an indelible mark on the genre. His music, characterized by a powerful vocal delivery and haunting melodies, has endured the test of time and remains a touchstone for blues fans and musicians alike. Cemented in popular culture through numerous tributes and covers, his contributions to the industry are truly timeless.

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  • Big Bill Broonzy
    37

    Big Bill Broonzy

    Rocking in Chicago 1949-53, Volume 2 The Post War Years, Nothing But the Blues: Mississippi River Blues
    891 votes

    See: The Best Big Bill Broonzy Albums

    As a pioneer of the Chicago blues scene, this versatile musician and songwriter helped to define the sound of the genre with his melodic playing and soulful vocals. Revered by fellow musicians and fans alike, his influence on both the blues and popular culture is undeniable. Though he passed away more than six decades ago, his music continues to endure, captivating new generations of listeners with its timeless appeal.

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  • Taj Mahal
    38

    Taj Mahal

    Giant Step / De Ole Folks at Home, Kulanjan, The Real Thing
    994 votes

    A true innovator in the world of blues, this versatile musician incorporates diverse global influences into his unique sound. As an accomplished vocalist, guitarist, and multi-instrumentalist, he continually pushes the boundaries of the genre, introducing fans to new styles and techniques. Recognized in popular culture for his extensive catalog and numerous collaborations, his contributions to the industry are truly legendary.

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  • Rory Gallagher
    39

    Rory Gallagher

    Deuce, Jinx, Tattoo
    777 votes

    Renowned for his extraordinary guitar skills and passionate live performances, this Irish blues-rock musician commanded the stage and captivated audiences worldwide. His ability to merge blues, rock, and Celtic influences into a unique sound helped to introduce countless fans to the genre. Though he passed away at a young age, his legacy as an influential figure in music history and pop culture lives on.

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  • R. L. Burnside
    40

    R. L. Burnside

    Heritage of the Blues: No Monkeys on This Train, A Ass Pocket of Whiskey, Burnside on Burnside
    728 votes

    A late bloomer in the blues world, this Mississippi-born singer and guitarist made a lasting impact on the genre with his distinctive, hypnotic style. Drawing on the raw, emotional intensity of the Delta blues, his music has captivated audiences and influenced countless artists. Enshrined in popular culture through film and television appearances, his contributions to the industry are celebrated today and will continue to inspire future generations.

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  • Nina Simone
    41

    Nina Simone

    The Very Best of Nina Simone, Nina Simone Sings the Blues, At Carnegie Hall
    683 votes

    Infusing elements of blues, jazz, and soul into her inimitable style, this legendary singer and pianist became one of the most influential voices of her generation. With her powerful, emotive performances and fearless activism, she left an indelible mark on the music industry and popular culture as a whole. Celebrated today for her timeless artistry, her influence on the world of blues remains unparalleled.

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  • Otis Rush
    42

    Otis Rush

    Right Place, Wrong Time, Blues Masters
    868 votes

    A key figure in the development of the Chicago blues scene, this talented guitarist and singer left an indelible mark on the genre with his powerful, emotive playing style and soulful voice. As an inspiration for countless musicians, his impact on the industry is undeniable. Though he passed away in 2018, his music continues to captivate audiences and influence popular culture.

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  • John Mayall & the Bluesbreakers
    43

    John Mayall & the Bluesbreakers

    Blues Breakers With Eric Clapton, Blues Breakers With Eric Clapton, Road Dogs
    772 votes

    As a pioneering British blues band led by singer, keyboardist, and harmonica player John Mayall, this influential group served as a launchpad for many of the genre's most celebrated musicians. Their innovative fusion of blues, rock, and jazz helped define a new sound and introduced countless fans to the music. An enduring presence in popular culture, their contributions to the industry continue to resonate with musicians and fans alike.

  • Junior Wells
    44

    Junior Wells

    A Night of the Blues, The Real Blues, Messin' With the Kid: Junior Wells 1957-1963
    1,013 votes

    See: The Best Albums Of Junior Wells

    An influential harmonica player and singer, this artist's innovative approach to the Chicago blues sound made him a legend in his own right. Known for his compelling stage presence and heartfelt vocal delivery, he left an indelible mark on the genre, influencing countless musicians to come. With numerous accolades and a lasting impact on both popular culture and the blues industry, his legacy as a blues great lives on.

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  • Blind Willie McTell
    45

    Blind Willie McTell

    Mr. McTell Got the Blues, Complete Recorded Works in Chronological Order, Volume 2: 23 October 1931 to 19 September 1933
    720 votes

    A pioneering blues artist known for his distinctive fingerpicking guitar style and expressive vocal delivery, this talented musician helped pave the way for future generations of blues musicians. Often referred to as one of the most talented and versatile artists of his time, he left behind a treasure trove of timeless songs that remain classics of the genre. Today, his music continues to inspire artists and fans alike, ensuring his place in both popular culture and blues history.

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  • Peter Green
    46

    Peter Green

    The End of the Game, In the Skies, White Sky
    742 votes

    An innovative guitarist and a founding member of Fleetwood Mac, this talented musician brought a fresh, soulful approach to the blues. Highly regarded for his fluid playing and emotive vocal style, he earned a place among the greats of the genre. Though he struggled with personal demons throughout his life, his music continues to captivate audiences and influence popular culture.

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  • Sonny Boy Williamson I
    47

    Sonny Boy Williamson I

    Sugar Mama, Nothing but the Blues, The Blues: Chicago 1937-1945
    735 votes

    As one of the pioneering harmonica players in the world of blues, this trailblazing musician popularized the instrument with his innovative techniques and distinctive vocal style. His music, characterized by a blend of traditional blues and early R&B sounds, has resonated with fans and musicians alike for generations. Although he passed away more than seven decades ago, his presence in popular culture and his influence on the blues genre remain undeniable.

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  • Hubert Sumlin
    48

    Hubert Sumlin

    About Them Shoes, I Know You, Kings of Chicago Blues
    535 votes
    Hubert Charles Sumlin (November 16, 1931 – December 4, 2011) was a Chicago blues guitarist and singer, best known for his "wrenched, shattering bursts of notes, sudden cliff-hanger silences and daring rhythmic suspensions" as a member of Howlin' Wolf's band. He was ranked number 43 in Rolling Stone's "100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time".
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  • Bobby Bland
    49

    Bobby Bland

    Two Steps From the Blues, Two Steps From the Blues & Here's the Man, Ask Me 'Bout Nothing
    762 votes
    Robert Calvin Bland (né Robert Calvin Brooks; January 27, 1930 – June 23, 2013), known professionally as Bobby "Blue" Bland, was an American blues singer. Bland developed a sound that mixed gospel with the blues and R&B. He was described as "among the great storytellers of blues and soul music... [who] created tempestuous arias of love, betrayal and resignation, set against roiling, dramatic orchestrations, and left the listener drained but awed." He was sometimes referred to as the "Lion of the Blues" and as the "Sinatra of the Blues". His music was also influenced by Nat King Cole.Bland was inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame in 1981, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1992, and the Memphis Music Hall of Fame in 2012. He received the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 1997. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame described him as "second in stature only to B.B. King as a product of Memphis's Beale Street blues scene".
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  • Skip James
    50

    Skip James

    The Complete Early Recordings of Skip James, She Lyin', Today!
    804 votes
    Nehemiah Curtis "Skip" James (June 9, 1902 – October 3, 1969) was an American Delta blues singer, guitarist, pianist and songwriter. His guitar playing is noted for its dark, minor-key sound, played in an open D-minor tuning with an intricate fingerpicking technique. James first recorded for Paramount Records in 1931, but these recordings sold poorly, having been released during the Great Depression, and he drifted into obscurity. After a long absence from the public eye, James was rediscovered in 1964 by blues enthusiasts, helping further the blues and folk music revival of the 1950s and early 1960s. During this period, James appeared at folk and blues festivals, gave concerts around the country and recorded several albums for various record labels. His songs have influenced generations of musicians and have been adapted by numerous artists. He has been hailed as "one of the seminal figures of the blues."
  • The Allman Brothers Band
    51

    The Allman Brothers Band

    At Fillmore East, Beginnings, Eat a Peach
    410 votes
    The Allman Brothers Band, an American rock group, originated in Jacksonville, Florida in 1969. The founding members were brothers Duane Allman and Gregg Allman, along with Dickey Betts, Berry Oakley, Butch Trucks, and Jai Johanny "Jaimoe" Johanson. The band's unique blend of blues, jazz, country, and rock'n'roll, coupled with their exceptional musicianship, resulted in a sound that was transformative to the landscape of rock music. Their extensive improvisational sessions during performances set the precedent for many other jam bands to follow. Duane Allman's tragic death in a motorcycle accident in 1971 marked a significant turning point. Even though the band was bereaved, they continued to produce music and achieved commercial success with the album Eat a Peach. This included tracks recorded before Duane's death, showcasing his laudable slide guitar work. Tragedy struck again when Berry Oakley also died in a similar motorcycle accident just a year after Duane, leaving the band to regroup and move forward. Despite numerous lineup changes over the years, The Allman Brothers Band remained a prominent force in music for more than four decades. They were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1995, highlighting their significant impact on the genre. The band's final concert took place in October 2014, marking the end of a powerful musical journey filled with great highs and devastating lows. Their influence continues to resonate in the world of music, solidifying their legacy as pioneers of Southern rock.
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  • Gary Moore
    52

    Gary Moore

    Still Got the Blues, Run for Cover, And Then the Man Said to His Guitar...
    678 votes

    Hailing from Northern Ireland, this prodigious guitarist seamlessly fused blues, rock, and metal influences to create a truly unique sound. Known for his electrifying live performances and emotive playing style, he inspired generations of guitarists and garnered a devoted following in the process. Despite his untimely death, his music continues to captivate audiences and leave a lasting imprint on popular culture.

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  • Clarence "Gatemouth" Brown
    53

    Clarence "Gatemouth" Brown

    Flippin' out: Essential Recordings, American Music, Texas Style
    437 votes
    Clarence "Gatemouth" Brown (April 18, 1924 – September 10, 2005) was an American musician from Louisiana and Texas known for his work as a blues musician, as well as other styles of music. He spent his career fighting purism by synthesizing old blues, country, jazz, Cajun music and R&B styles. His work also encompasses rock and roll, rock music, folk music, electric blues, and Texas blues.He was an acclaimed multi-instrumentalist, who played an array of musical instruments, including the guitar, fiddle, mandolin, viola, harmonica and drums. He won a Grammy Award for Best Traditional Blues Album in 1983 for his album, Alright Again!. He is regarded as one of the most influential exponents of blues fiddle and has had enormous influence in American fiddle circles. Brown's two biggest musical influences were Louis Jordan and T-Bone Walker.
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  • Koko Taylor
    54

    Koko Taylor

    Force of Nature, Koko Taylor, From the Heart of a Woman
    600 votes
    Koko Taylor (born Cora Anna Walton, September 28, 1928 – June 3, 2009) was an American singer whose style encompassed Chicago blues, electric blues, rhythm and blues and soul blues. Sometimes called "The Queen of the Blues", she was known for her rough, powerful vocals.
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  • Janis Joplin
    55

    Janis Joplin

    Pearl, Big Brother & The Holding Company, Greatest Hits
    314 votes

    A true force of nature, this incomparable singer possessed a raw, powerful voice that embodied the spirit of the blues. As a trailblazer in the male-dominated music industry of her time, she broke barriers and paved the way for many female artists who followed. Despite her tragic death at the age of 27, her legend lives on as an icon of popular culture, and her influence on the world of blues music remains profound.

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  • Aretha Franklin
    56

    Aretha Franklin

    Lady Soul, I Never Loved a Man the Way I Love You, Young
    505 votes

    Best known as the "Queen of Soul," this iconic artist's powerful voice and emotive performances effortlessly incorporated the spirit and essence of the blues. Her unmatched talent and passionate delivery made her a trailblazer in the music industry, inspiring countless musicians who followed in her footsteps. A beloved figure in popular culture, her influence on the world of blues music and beyond is indisputable.

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  • Robert Cray
    57

    Robert Cray

    Don't Be Afraid of the Dark, Sweet Potato Pie, The Blues Collection 25: Who's Been Talkin'
    1,161 votes
    Robert William Cray (born August 1, 1953) is an American blues guitarist and singer. He has led his own band and won five Grammy Awards.
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  • The Paul Butterfield Blues Band
    58

    The Paul Butterfield Blues Band

    The Paul Butterfield Blues Band, In My Own Dream, The Original Lost Elektra Sessions
    249 votes
    The Paul Butterfield Blues Band is a musical group.
  • John Mayall
    59

    John Mayall

    Empty Rooms, Blues Breakers With Eric Clapton, Road Dogs
    908 votes
    John Mayall, OBE (born 29 November 1933) is an English blues singer, guitarist, organist and songwriter, whose musical career spans over sixty years. In the 1960s, he was the founder of John Mayall & the Bluesbreakers, a band which has counted among its members some of the most famous blues and blues rock musicians.
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  • James Cotton
    60

    James Cotton

    Best of the Verve Years, Cotton Mouth Man, Best of the Vanguard Years
    493 votes
    James Henry Cotton (July 1, 1935 – March 16, 2017) was an American blues harmonica player, singer and songwriter, who performed and recorded with many of the great blues artists of his time and with his own band. He played drums early in his career but is famous for his harmonica playing. Cotton began his professional career playing the blues harp in Howlin' Wolf's band in the early 1950s. He made his first recordings in Memphis for Sun Records, under the direction of Sam Phillips. In 1955, he was recruited by Muddy Waters to come to Chicago and join his band. Cotton became Waters's bandleader and stayed with the group until 1965. In 1965 he formed the Jimmy Cotton Blues Quartet, with Otis Spann on piano, to record between gigs with the Muddy Waters band. He eventually left to form his own full-time touring group. His first full album, on Verve Records, was produced by the guitarist Mike Bloomfield and the singer and songwriter Nick Gravenites, who later were members of the band Electric Flag.In the 1970s, Cotton played harmonica on Muddy Waters' Grammy Award–winning 1977 album Hard Again, produced by Johnny Winter.
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