Essential blues songs

She Got Kick - Ben Harper (2013)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ax9y_TLm7BE

Harper ditches his folk persona and goes straight up blues. Features Charlie Musselwhite.

Midnight in Harlem - Tedeschi Trucks Band (2011)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K1J04ugcdi8

Susan Tedeschi captains an 11-piece band—and they're all crackshot musicians. This song starts smooth then sneaks in buzzing guitar and tasty organ.

Tighten Up - The Black Keys (2010)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mpaPBCBjSVc

After the White Stripes disbanded, The Black Keys took indie-fused blues rock and ran with it.

Bright Lights - Gary Clark, Jr. (2010)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CFjMeOnqAPI

Combining fuzz guitar with smooth vocals, Clark shows a rollicking Texas songcraft.

Never Going Back to Memphis - Shemekia Copeland

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=saHr89hjHjM

Copeland's soulful vocals establishes a powerful narrative that lets you see the world through her eyes. Great guitar work in this song.

Last Kiss - Joe Bonamassa (2009)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FTlhlWlSLPM

This hard-edged song kills it with hammond organ and tambourine over a two-step shuffle.

Done With the Devil - Jason Ricci (2009)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nT1W3_olYN4

Ricci is one of the most talented harp players of the current generation, and it shows.

3 String George - Gov't Mule (2006)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HYVehQqb9UM

Continuing to carry the blues rock torch, Gov't Mule showed the sheer power of a solid instrumental.

One of These Mornings - Charlie Musselwhite (2006)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NT3kD3X_OQ0

After the death of his parents, Musselwhite felt the need to get back to his roots. The result: his electric album Delta Hardware. In this song, all hell breaks loose.

A Good Fool is Hard To Find - Tommy Castro (2006)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Q4_fzHhEkA

Castro throws rock, R&B, and soul in the mix—and keeps it essentially blues. His grit and sincerity are irresistible.

A Woman Like Me - Bettye Lavette (2003)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TbHAsFTKEFM

Powerful and intense, LaVette's leathery voice projects an honesty rarely found elsewhere.

Dirty Low Down And Bad - Keb' Mo' (2003)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GFxCtRCPal0

From Delta blues to the grand expanse of America, Keb' Mo's voice remains distinct.

Ten Million Slaves - Otis Taylor (2002)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mMtuNipi-SE

Taylor has a way of making traditional songs sound new. In this track, he takes the banjo—an African instrument co-opted by whites—and sings about the story of slavery.

Done Got Old - Buddy Guy (2001)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5UjW-Rd2B3o

After 36 years of playing the blues, Buddy Guy showed the best was yet to come.

Is There Anybody Lonely - Sir Charles Jones (2001)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DAJEvv-XU1o

This song reached #28 on the R&B charts and showed that the blues was still a viable genre for urban audiences.

Party of Special Things To Do - White Stripes

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EwhNUq8tA_I

Jack White dusted off this obscure Captain Beefheart song, and gave it his special lo-fi treatment.

Walking Away - Jonny Lang (1998)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Olk7mNK-VyE

Lang started playing guitar at the age of 12, and almost immediately became legendary. This is his best song.

The Criminal Inside Me - RL Burnside (1996)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=05m5ikAMJ1E

Burnside's hill country blues received recognition amongst indie artists with this lo-fi storytelling style. Produced by Jon Spencer.

Bill - Peggy Scott-Adams (1996)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zfvqUiuIIq4

Peggy sings her heart out. A song of unrequited love that speaks to the human condition.

Crawling King Snake - Junior Kimbrough (1993)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8_Mmk2RW3Y8

From the live album Sad Days, Lonely Nights, Junior Kimbrough's raw seemingly archaic style showed that Mississippi still had a powerful blues tradition.

Tears in Heaven - Eric Clapton (1992)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JxPj3GAYYZ0

Clapton's four-year-old son Connor fell out of a 53-storey apartment in New York City. This song was written afterwards, and reflects pain and loss.

Still Got The Blues - Gary Moore (1990)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4O_YMLDvvnw

In his younger years, Moore played in Thin Lizzy and Skid Row—but his virtuosic guitar was always well suited to the blues.

The Healer - John Lee Hooker (1989)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b7uRxbl0Jzk

Playing alongside Carlos Santana, this was the song that revived interest in John Lee Hooker's career.

Smokin' Gun - Robert Cray (1986)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2gQEDwjhaDE

Peaked at #2 on Billboard's Rock chart, this was the song that established Cray as a major blues artist.

Ghetto Man - Marvin Sease (1986)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o2rYke5rzG0

This was the song that lit up several Southern bars and juke joints. Sease's vocals must have broke several hearts.

Down Home Blues - Denise LaSalle (1983)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KcBhRZaAX1M

LaSalle projected a verve and sexuality that had long been missed.

Texas Flood - Stevie Ray Vaughan (1983)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tWLw7nozO_U

While brother Jimmie helped reinvigorate Texas blues in The Fabulous Thunderbirds, Stevie brought it to brave new heights. Here Stevie marries virtuosity with soul.

The Blues Is Alright - Little Milton (1982)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6V8h2uq5wFQ

In this song, Little Milton said that "the blues is back and here to stay". And he was right.

Let's Do It Together - Bobby Rush (1979)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L5bWHdtz2aQ

This thick funky beat shows what blues could accomplish during the height of disco.

C-Boys Blues - The Fabulous Thunderbirds (1979)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xvgoZiUp0_8

The band that re-invigorated Texas blues. Little Walter would be proud of the harmonica in this song.

Cocaine - Eric Clapton (1976)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q3L4spg8vyo

Clapton's most enduring hit. Here he shows fidelity to blues while keeping the blues accessible to a generation that shifted to other musical genres.

Misty Blue - Dorothy Moore (1976)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RMONGMDEerI

Eddy Arnold may have first scored a hit with it, but nobody sings it better than Dorothy Moore. In fact, she cut her vocal in a single take.

Let Them Talk - ZZ Hill (1974)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5XBf_Ec2t3E

Amongst African-Americans, ZZ Hill helped revive interest in blues. He did this by fusing blues with soul and funk. This is a great song.

La Grange - ZZ Top (1973)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vppbdf-qtGU

ZZ Top brought boogie back to prominence. One of their signature hits, this song is about a brothel in Texas.

Crest of a Wave - Rory Gallagher (1971)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=83u_152Rtak

Gallagher sought to catch the live energy of a live performance. In so doing, he released his Deuce album. Crest of a Wave is the best song on that album.

Black Magic Woman - Santana (1970)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GUD7d55_s-c

Santana adventurously fused the blues with Latin rhythms—and we're all better for it.

Whipping Post - The Allman Brothers (1970)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C6up076lSH8

This band had everything. Songcraft, chops, and stellar improv. The may now be associated with Southern rock, but could they ever play the blues!

Oh Well - Fleetwood Mac (1969)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b19PcuJsQbA

Before Fleetwood Mac became a soft rock band, they were a deft blue band fronted by Peter Green. This song is the foremost hit of the Green era.

Dazed and Confused - Led Zeppelin (1969)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0tdYMWng9lM

Led Zeppelin's first album was entirely blues, and this is its signature song. Nobody does grandeur better than Led Zeppelin.

Stagger Lee - Taj Mahal (1969)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NAPF42aAXSM

Numerous artists have recorded Stagger Lee—but I believe Taj Mahal records the definitive version. This song makes you feel that Stagger Lee is a bad, bad man.

Piece of My Heart - Janis Joplin (1968)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iJb7cBfrxbo

If Joplin released only this song, she'd be a blues legend. This has an extravagance of passion and soul.

Born Under a Bad Sign - Albert King (1967)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Py37G9qsfY

There are two eras in blues: before and after this song. Sleek and soulful, this defined King's legacy.

Sunshine of Your Love - Cream (1967)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HbqQL0J_Vr0

After Eric Clapton left The Yardbirds, he formed Cream. The result: the heaviest blues yet recorded. This song is indicative of what a great band Cream was.

Purple Haze - The Jimi Hendrix Experience (1967)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cIB33eTrgBY

Jimi Hendrix did things with his guitar that few others imagined. When this song was released it was like an atomic bomb on our collective consciousness.

Tramp - Johnny Winter (1967)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MsNAVkMf5io

High energy and scintillating vocals, Winter is acknowledged as an amazing guitarist—and this song shows why.

On The Road Again - Canned Heat (1967)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qRKNw477onU

Alan "Blind Owl" Wilson's vocals give this song a unique thrill, and his virtuosic harp playing gives this rich depth. The song opens with the lyrics, "Whoaa well my mother died and left me".

The Train Kept A-Rollin' - The Yardbirds (1966)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cd1gRHk28IE

An era of The Yardbirds that had Jeff Beck on guitar and Jimmy Page on bass, this song shows the seminal band going all-out blues. Later The Yardbirds would transform into Led Zeppelin.

Wang Dang Doodle - Koko Taylor (1966)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qyUHkY0K8HE

This was Chess Records' final great song. Featuring Willie Dixon on bass and Little Walter on harp.

Mary, Mary - Paul Butterfield Blues Band (1966)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RflG4g39amw

This shows Paul Butterfield at the height of his powers—with tasteful harmonica intact. Believe it or not, this song was written by Mike Nesmith from The Monkees.

The House of the Rising Sun - The Animals (1964)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wDlrRQ6Yzis

This song has a long history in blues, but this is the definitive version—which is also the most commercially successful. The Animals are also responsible for bringing British blues global.

Gloria - Them (1964)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FLvBpnaVHE8

The song that brought Van Morrison to prominence—and also Irish blues too. It has now become standard, being covered by such artists as Patti Smith and John Lee Hooker.

Little Red Rooster - The Rolling Stones (1964)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uuiTperxZnw

The Rolling Stones may be identified with rock music, but they're blues through and through. This cover of Willie Dixon's original shows that this band is bona fide.

Country Line Special - Cyril Davies (1963)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=goJhS37zTbg

Cyril is the other pioneer of British blues—and in this song we can see the beginnings of psychedelia.

Gotta Move - Alexis Korner (1962)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QEWRzsh7y_4

Korner was a skiffle musician until he heard Muddy Waters play electric guitar. From this moment onwards, he pioneered British blues.

Turn On Your Love Light - Bobby Bland (1961)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=StdN_CiCNS4

Bland fills this song with soul—and in doing so transforms it into a blues standard. Later, Van Morrison and the Grateful Dead cover it.

At Last - Etta James (1960)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S-cbOl96RFM

The essential blues long song—and nobody does it better than the glorious Etta James.

My Next Door Neighbor - Jerry McCain (1957)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_SWVIFuxb8k

Raw and wild, this song foresaw Lou Reed and Iggy Pop's later rock n' roll innovations.

I'm A King Bee - Slim Harpo (1957)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=giFMF_5c-AE

The spare minimal arrangement shows the enduring appeal of swamp blues. When Slim Harpo's harp springs loose, it punctuates the entire song.

All Your Love - Magic Sam (1957)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yPyIMX3p3sI

This didn't chart, but it proved extremely influential on Chicago's West Side. The rhythm proved intoxicating.

Sleeping In The Ground - Sam Myers (1956)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=09j6vMdKi3E

Sam Myers most famous single, it was later covered by Eric Clapton and Robert Cray.

Smokestack Lightning - Howlin' Wolf (1956)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=09j6vMdKi3E

In trying to emulate Jimmie Rodgers, Howlin' Wolf found he couldn't yodel. So he howled. And there's no better howling than in Smokestack Lightning. Great harp work too.

I Can't Quit You Baby - Otis Rush (1956)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uy2tEP3I3DM

Written by Willie Dixon, this launched Rush's career on Cobra Records—and peaked at #6 on the R&B chart. Rush would later re-record this song several times.

Bo Diddley - Bo Diddley (1955)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IMZjAOoX6nw

Bo Diddley is called "The Originator" for a reason He popularized the Bo Diddley beat—and this song is his best example. While this is considered a rock n' roll song, it also works as blues.

Bad Luck Blues - Lightnin' Slim (1954)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=59xnp8y_xYs

Features the immortal line: "If it wasn't for bad luck, I wouldn't have no luck at all". Great example of Louisiana blues.

Ay, 'Tite Fille - Clifton Chenier (1954)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zsdwGGa1-T0

Clifton Chenier took Professor Longhair's blues standard and transformed it into a zydeco song. While this is a departure, the blues influence is still strong.

Shake, Rattle & Roll - Big Joe Turner (1954)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=20Feq_Nt3nM

The song that popularized rock n' roll. Bill Haley later released a highly sanitized version—which became more popular than the original. Still, this version is superior.

So Long - Willie Dixon (1953)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7L0rYlzHoPY

Dixon is known mostly for his song-writing and bass virtuosity as a side man. But in this song, he steps out from the shadows and shows h is incredible talent.

Ain't That Loving You Baby - Jimmy Reed (1953)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b9YTlMs4NlI

Released three years after its initial recording, this became Jimmy Reed's first—and biggest—hit. Later covered by Ronnie Hawkins, Etta James, and the Everly Brothers.

Juke - Little Walter (1952)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=soXfp6Xx2VE

When Little Walter first played the harmonica through a microphone and PA system, he revolutionized what the instrument could do. For good reason, he's comparable to Charlie Parker and Jimi Hendrix.

3 O'Clock Blues - B.B. King (1951)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nPeTtg3fTB8

Improvised at a Memphis YMCA, this showcased B.B. King's famous interplay between guitar and vocals. The song is slow and heavy on drama.

My Baby Left Me - Arthur "Big Boy" Crudup (1950)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I9SxexpDVvQ

The seminal link between blues and rockabilly, this song was later performed by Elvis Presley. For good reason, Crudup is now known as the father of rock n' roll.

Dust My Broom - Elmore James (1951)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LIGxeQKQs-0

The King of Slide Guitar. This song song has one of the most recognizable guitar riffs ever, and also features Little Walter on harmonica.

Boogie Chillen' - John Lee Hooker

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G4pp02_GN9A

This song has the riff that launched a million songs. Its rhythmic guitar is centred around one singular chord.

I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry - Hank Williams (1949)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4WXYjm74WFI

This shows that the soul of the blues was still alive in country music. Jimmie Rodgers and DeFord Bailey would approve.

I Can't Be Satisfied - Muddy Waters (1948)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oSF-T5gwdxU

This song established Chicago as the home of electric blues. It also turned Chess Records into a power player in the music industry.

Driftin' Blues - Charles Brown (1945)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fUyC2l--fSw

The most well known example of West Coast blues, and one of the biggest smash hits of the 1940s. This has been covered by all manner of artists since.

Be-Baba-Leba - Helen Hume (1945)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s1K2oPCS8CE

This sprightly rendition shows just how powerful jump blues can be in the hands of a female vocalist. Helen Hume kills it.

Stormy Monday Blues - Earl Hines (1943)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2pIdNa9lL5s

This song reached #1 on Billboard Magazine's "Harlem Hit Parade". A boogie woogie pioneer, Hines also shaped the birth of bebop.

Mean Old World - T-Bone Walker (1942)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y1x0-AjX__M

T-Bone Walker is rightfully regarded as one of the greatest blues guitarists of all time, and this song shows why. This smoky little tune shows deft handling. Freddie Slack accompanies on piano.

Lost John - Sonny Terry (1940)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SvpUIS97Npw

Punctuated by whoops, Terry shows amazing breath control and technique. One of the great masters of the blues harp.

Keep A-Knockin' - Louis Jordan (1939)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6pcve7daxNM

The seminal jump blues song, and later covered by Little Richard—this is an excellent example of 8-bar blues. Louis Jordan eventually became one of the most successful black recording artists ever.

Hoodoo Man Blues - Sonny Boy Williamson I (1938)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RSOIqzxdI-U

Not to be confused with another identically named blues musician, Sonny Boy Williamson reinvigorated the blues harp as lead instrument. This is the definitive recording of Hoodoo Man Blues.

One O'Clock Jump - Count Basie (1937)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=08jyOwx96Ig

Count Basie's signature tune perfected the big band style of blues.

Cross Road Blues - Robert Johnson (1937)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yd60nI4sa9A

Legend has it Robert Johnson is chronicling a deal with the devil that he made—which gave him impeccable guitar playing skills. He later influenced Jimmy Page and Eric Clapton.

Ticket Agent Blues - Blind Willie McTell (1935)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LZzNgncKSTs

Is this a country song? Or blues? It's both. Later, this song would prove influential to the Allman Brothers and other southern rockers.

Shave 'Em Dry - Lucille Bogan (1935)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=noYz-nQXvbo

One of the most bawdy—and shameless—blues songs ever composed. Enough to make Madonna and Miley Cyrus blush. Lucille Bogan is one of the most important female blues vocalists of all time.

Goodnight, Irene - Lead Belly (1933)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2doFJHXDwJ8

A song about lost love, sadness, and frustration. Several lyrics imply suicidal urges, most notably: "Sometimes I take a great notion to jump in the river and drown".

Diddie Wa Diddie - Blind Blake (1929)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TTP-8VfIvn0

The seminal Piedmont blues performer, and still one of the most accomplished guitarists within the genre. This song was later covered by Hot Tuna and Ry Cooder.

Mississippi Boweavil Blues - Charley Patton (1929)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WW-Sh4U8jOs

Patton was the father of Delta blues. His gritty bellowing is tinged with whiskey—accentuated with innovative guitar.

Forty-Four - Roosevelt Sykes (1929)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nnia4na291s

The song opens with "Well I walked all night long, with my .44 in my hand". Eery stuff.

On The Road Again - Memphis Jug Band (1928)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xCK8V_MfQLY

This band featured harmonica, kazoo, fiddle and mandolin, guitar, piano, washboard and jug. They were key in creating the jug band format.

Pan American Blues - DeFord Bailey (1928)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZuFXcLNsWkc

The definitive harmonica virtuoso of the 1920s, DeFord Bailey was first man to play at the Grand Ole Opry—and the lone black man until Charley Pride.

Savoy Blues - Lonnie Johnson (1927)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DiNzXslovVk

Note-by-note, Lonnie Johnson is the originator of the guitar solo in blues music. He later influenced Charlie Christian and Django Reinhardt. Here he's accompanied by Louis Armstrong & The Hot Five.

Blue Yodel (T For Texas) - Jimmie Rodgers (1927)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qEIBmGZxAhg

Believe it or not, country and blues were once regarded as a singular genre—and Jimmie Rodgers shows why. This was the song that created an industry.

Black Snake Moan - Blind Lemon Jefferson (1926)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kic5rUrvv08

Father of the Texas Blues, Blind Lemon Jefferson was at least 40 years ahead of his time. While he lived, few musicians could emulate his talent.

St Louis Blues - Bessie Smith (1925)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jNWs0LsimFs

The definitive blues singer from the 1920s sings the definitive version of this song. Louis Armstrong performs on cornet. This song was written by W.C. Handy.

Guitar Rag - Sylvester Weaver (1923)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j00yl_EJUGQ

This is the first recorded song to use slide guitar style—which Weaver accomplished by sliding a knife across the fretboard. Bob Will & The Playboys later turned this into a country standard.

Crazy Blues - Mamie Smith (1920)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OiJrBgbwsJw

Within a month, this song sold 75,000 copies, and 1 million within a year—not bad for a recording industry in its infancy. This song showed appealing to a black audience was financially lucrative.

The Memphis Blues - W.C. Handy (1912)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1h4U0gMUGiA

Based on a campaign song, The Memphis Blues was at the cusp of both ragtime and dixieland. It also inspired the Foxtrot dance step. But most importantly, it popularized the blues.

I Got The Blues - Antonio Maggio (1908)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mn7-pitCDRw

Notable as the first—therefore earliest—published blues song to sheet.