10. Chester Arthur Burnett - Howlin’ Wolf (along with Muddy Waters) introduced me to the blues. Moanin’ In The Moonlight and …Sings The Blues are incredible, even if he wasn’t as technically proficient or lyrically brilliant as fellow Delta Bluesmen Robert Johnson. What he had that Johnson and many others lacked was his simple ability to rock out. His voice, undeniably, is one of the most amazing voices in the history of recorded music. This Is Howlin’ Wolf’s New Album and his London Sessions are both mildly overrated by many, but I still listen to and enjoy both.
9. Junior Wells - I think “Hoodoo Blues Man” is another one of those hyperbolic “best blues songs of all time,” but — then again — what the fuck do I know? Wells was a Chicago bluesman, which stands in stark contrast to the majority of this list, which includes mostly Delta and one or two Texas bluesmen. He played with everyone from Muddy Waters to Buddy Guy to the Rolling Stones. His vocal style kicked ass, he played a mean harmonica, and he looked like a genuine bad ass. What more do you want?
8. Skip James - Again, an immense talent with a voice that could bring you to tears or scare the shit out of you. In fact, I think “Devil Got My Woman” might be my favorite blues song of all time. That might just be a bold declaration without my having given it too much thought, but it definitely stands out as one of my favorite songs. The blues in general have a tendency to reach for your guts, but I implore you to find a more gut-wrenching musician and singer than James.
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