With just three chords and a soul full of sorrow, the blues is the foundation of almost all modern rock, soul and pop. From the Mississippi Delta to the electric clubs of Chicago: who is the greatest blues legend for you? Cast your vote!
Cast your vote - the ranking shifts live based on the votes.
B.B. King
The 'King of the Blues' touched millions with his signature vibrato and the warm tones of his legendary guitar 'Lucille'.
Muddy Waters
The father of Chicago blues, who stood at the cradle of rock 'n' roll with electric guitars and classics like Hoochie Coochie Man.
Completely carried by their image and marketing rather than actual songwriting. tbh
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Robert Johnson
The mythical Delta bluesman who, according to legend, sold his soul to the devil at a crossroads in exchange for his phenomenal guitar playing.
Nobody does it like them.
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Stevie Ray Vaughan
Single-handedly revived the blues in the 1980s with his breathtaking technique and furious guitar solos.
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Howlin' Wolf
Known for his giant build and his terrifying, rasping primal voice in classics like Smokestack Lightnin'.
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Buddy Guy
One of the most dynamic blues guitarists ever, counting Eric Clapton and Jimi Hendrix among his big admirers.
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John Lee Hooker
Master of the hypnotic 'boogie beat' and rhythmic foot-stomping in timeless classics like Boom Boom.
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Albert King
A left-handed guitar giant whose Gibson Flying V and deep bends shaped the sound of countless blues rockers.
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Etta James
With her powerful, emotional voice and songs like I'd Rather Go Blind, she built an unforgettable bridge between blues and soul.
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Eric Clapton
Earned the mythical status of blues guitar virtuoso in the 1960s by translating authentic Delta blues for a modern rock audience.
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Still mind-blowing to think about: the 'King of the Blues' touched millions with his signature vibrato and the warm tones of his legendary guitar 'Lucille'.