If you enjoy jazz, rock, pop, or basically any genre of contemporary music, you have the musicians of Rhythm and Blues — the “Blues” portion especially — to thank. Blues music was an immense cultural force during the 1960s and 70s. Major scenes developed concurrently in Chicago, New Orleans and the Mississippi River Delta; each bringing a distinct flavor to the genre. Blues music follows a simple structure, allowing for incredible amounts of improvisation and imaginative songwriting. While Blues experienced a golden age decades ago, the genre still thrives in venues like Kingston Mines in Chicago and Wild Bill’s in Memphis. Before delving into the rich world of contemporary blues, it’s important to listen to the genre’s most revered recordings. 

1. Albert King – “Born Under A Bad Sign” 

Choosing a starting point in Blues music is a daunting task. Personally, I think Albert King’s “Born Under A Bad Sign” is a terrific introduction to this. King is referred to as one of the “Three Kings of Blues Guitar” so it comes as no surprise that his signature electric guitar, the Gibson Flying V, is the most prominent instrument on the album. King also incorporated brass ensembles, piano arrangements and groovy drums to support his smooth voice and absolutely righteous guitar playing. “Born Under A Bad Sign” features some of the most energetic and exciting songs in the genre. If you are new to the Blues, I’d highly recommend you spin this first. 

2. Robert Johnson – “King of the Delta Blues Singers” 

Robert Johnson is perhaps the most legendary Blues musician of all time. It’s important to note that he is a legend in the most literal sense, as people claim the Mississippi musician sold his soul to the devil in exchange for remarkable guitar skills and songwritabilities. Tall tales aside, Johnson is one of the most important figures in contemporary music. Eric Clapton calls Johnson: “the most influential musician of all time.” “King of the Delta Blues Singers” is a compilation of Johnson’s seminal 1930s recordings. The music is minimalist, with only Johnson’s voice and acoustic guitar. It’s a wonderful collection of some of the most amazing Blues tracks ever written. 

3. Junior Wells – “Hoodoo Man Blues” 

Originally from Memphis, Junior Wells is one of the most celebrated Chicago Blues musicians. With his “Chicago Blues Band” and collaborators like Buddy Guy and Muddy Waters, Wells helped redefine Chicago’s regional Blues sound in the 1950s. Wells’s most famous collaboration with Buddy Guy, “Hoodoo Man Blues,” emphasizes groove and call-and-response over pure technical ability. Beautifully melodic harmonica solos occur occasionally, but “Hoodoo Man Blues” is all about driving, unadulterated rhythm. 

Other Blues albums you must hear: 

4. Sugar Blue – “Code Blue” 

5. Muddy Waters – “Folk Singer” 

6. B.B. King – “Live in Cook County Jail” 

7. John Lee Hooker – “House Of The Blues” 

8. Buddy Guy – “Stone Crazy”