An Introduction to Classic American Blues

American blues stands as one of the most influential musical genres in history, shaping jazz, rock ’n’ roll, R&B, and hip-hop. Born from the African-American experience in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the blues gave voice to hardship and hope through soulful melodies and poignant lyrics. For collectors and new listeners alike, delving into classic blues records offers a direct connection to America’s cultural tapestry. This blog post profiles the genre’s foundational artists and recommends the most iconic LPs to kick-start your collection.

The Roots of the Blues

Blues emerged in the Mississippi Delta as a fusion of African musical traditions and elements of spirituals, work songs, and field hollers. Early 12-bar structures and call-and-response patterns laid the groundwork for its distinctive sound¹. By the 1920s, recordings by artists such as Charley Patton and Blind Lemon Jefferson brought this regional style to a broader audience².

Muddy Waters: The Father of Modern Chicago Blues

Born McKinley Morganfield in Mississippi, Muddy Waters electrified the blues by transplanting Delta traditions to Chicago’s urban landscape³. His raw slide guitar tone and gravelly voice defined post-war blues.

Essential LP: Hard Again (1977)
Produced by Johnny Winter, this record captures Waters in fiery form, with tracks like “Mannish Boy” showcasing his enduring power⁴.

B.B. King: The King of the Blues

Riley B. King, known as B.B. King, blended sophisticated string bending and heartfelt vocals to elevate the blues to new emotional heights⁵. His Lucille guitar became legendary.

Essential LP: Live at the Regal (1965)
Widely regarded as one of the greatest live blues recordings, this album highlights King’s stage charisma and virtuosity⁶.

Robert Johnson: The Mythic Delta Troubadour

Robert Johnson’s brief recording career left an outsized legacy. His intricate fingerpicking and enigmatic lyrics fueled legends about his pact with the devil at the crossroads⁷.

Essential LP: King Of The Delta Blues Singers (1961)
A seminal compilation album released in 1961 by Columbia Records, this collection brings together Johnson's iconic recordings from 1936-1937

Howlin’ Wolf: The Wolf of the Blues

With a booming baritone and fierce stage presence, Chester Arthur Burnett, aka Howlin’ Wolf, forged gritty Chicago blues anthems⁹.

Essential LP: Moanin’ in the Moonlight (1959)
Featuring classics like “Smokestack Lightnin’,” this compilation captures Wolf’s elemental power¹⁰.

John Lee Hooker: Boogie and Beyond

John Lee Hooker’s hypnotic boogie rhythms and one-chord vamp style made him an international star¹¹.

Essential LP: The Healer (1989)
A later-career renaissance album featuring collaborations with Bonnie Raitt and Carlos Santana¹².

Sonny Boy Williamson II: The Master of the Harmonica

Rice Miller, performing as Sonny Boy Williamson II, elevated the harmonica to lead-instrument status through expressive tone and inventive phrasing¹³.

Essential LP: His Best (1997)
A career-spanning anthology showcasing his harmonica genius¹⁴.

Conclusion

Building a classic blues collection connects you to the soul of American music. From Muddy Waters’ electrifying Chicago sound to B.B. King’s emotive string bends, these foundational artists and their landmark LPs represent the heart of the genre. Whether you begin with Hard Again or immerse yourself in The Complete Recordings of Robert Johnson, these records anchor any serious blues library.

Sources

¹ Gioia, T. (2008). Delta Blues: The Life and Times of the Mississippi Masters Who Revolutionized American Music. W.W. Norton. https://wwnorton.com
² Evans, D. (1982). Big Road Blues: Tradition and Creativity in the Folk Blues. University of California Press. https://ucpress.edu
³ Palmer, R. (1986). Deep Blues. Penguin Books. https://penguin.com
⁴ Waters, M., & Winter, J. (1977). Hard Again [Album]. Blue Sky Records.
⁵ Weissman, D. (2010). A Force of Nature: The Roots of the Blues. PublicAffairs. https://publicaffairsbooks.com
⁶ King, B.B. (1965). Live at the Regal [Album]. ABC Records.
⁷ Wald, E. (2004). Escaping the Delta: Robert Johnson and the Invention of the Blues. Harper. https://harpercollins.com
⁸ Johnson, R. (1990). The Complete Recordings [2-CD Set]. Columbia/Legacy Records.
⁹ Segrest, J., & McGee, M. (2004). The Wolf: The Lives and Music of Howlin’ Wolf. Pantheon. https://pantheonbooks.com
¹⁰ Howlin’ Wolf. (1959). Moanin’ in the Moonlight [Album]. Chess Records.
¹¹ Herzhaft, G. (2001). Encyclopedia of the Blues. University of Arkansas Press. https://uarkpress.com
¹² Hooker, J.L. (1989). The Healer [Album]. Virgin Records.
¹³ Charters, S. (1991). The Country Blues. Da Capo Press. https://dacapopress.com
¹⁴ Williamson, S.B. II. (1997). His Best [Compilation]. Rip Cat Records.