Recommended for rock fans too! — A classic album of modern blues
The birth of the blues, often called the root of rock ’n’ roll and jazz, dates back to the late 19th century.
Its forms are diverse and can’t be summed up in a single phrase: from Delta blues and country blues—often referred to as prewar blues—to Chicago blues and modern blues, which developed after the war in Chicago and incorporated electric instruments.
In this article, we introduce classic blues albums whose style and spirit continue to be carried on by many musicians even in the 2020s.
The lineup focuses mainly on modern blues that’s easy for beginners to enjoy, so even those who usually listen to rock will find it accessible.
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Recommended for rock fans too! — Classic Albums of Modern Blues (’71–’80)
Spider in my stewBuster Benton
Speaking of Buster Benton, this is the song.
It’s included on his debut album, produced by the great Willie Dixon.
A gritty, slow blues that’s perfect for a rundown bar, it’s a classic where you can fully take in his hallmark gospel-honed, powerful raspy voice and his sticky, lingering guitar.
Everything be alrightBig Mama Thornton
A signature song by Big Mama Thornton, a leading female blues singer.
Her husky, soulful vocals befit her title as the “Godmother of the Blues,” radiating commanding presence.
It’s said that even Robert Plant was a fan of hers.
The Sun Is RisingHowlin’ Wolf
Howlin’ Wolf was a blues singer born in 1910 in West Point, Mississippi, known for his impactful, gravelly voice.
He learned guitar from Charley Patton, began performing around the 1940s based in Memphis, formed a band in the late 1940s, then became a DJ/player at the West Memphis radio station KWEM.
He made his first recordings at Sam Phillips’s Memphis Recording Service and debuted in 1951.
The Sun Is Rising was recorded in West Memphis in 1952.
He had a major influence on rock, inspiring artists such as Cream, the Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin, Eric Clapton, and Ringo Starr.
How Long, How Long BluesLeroy Carr
Leroy Carr, born in 1905 in Nashville, Tennessee, was a blues singer and pianist who became the first great master of urban blues, developing the style of city piano blues.
Between 1928 and 1935, he recorded over 160 songs.
His universally appealing, accessible blues influenced artists such as Cecil Gant, Charles Brown, and Ray Charles.
How Long, How Long Blues was a major hit.
Songs like Blues Before Sunrise, When the Sun Goes Down, I Believe I’ll Make a Change, and Sloppy Drunk Blues have been covered by numerous singers.
Rollin’ StoneMuddy Waters
Muddy Waters, born in 1913 in Issaquena County, Mississippi, was an American blues singer and guitarist.
Known as the Father of Chicago Blues, he pioneered a band-oriented electric guitar sound in Chicago, leaving a major mark on the development of the Chicago blues.
He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame posthumously in 1987.
He spent his childhood on a plantation, where he loved playing in the mud; from this he was nicknamed “Muddy Waters,” which became his stage name.
He started on harmonica at age seven, later switched to guitar, moved to Chicago, Illinois in 1943, and recorded for Columbia in 1946.
A young guitarist who came to audition for his band was Chuck Berry, whom he introduced to Chess Records.
“Rolling Stone” is one of his hit songs and the source of the Rolling Stones’ band name.
Today I Sing the BluesAretha Franklin
Aretha Franklin is famous as a female soul singer, but beyond her soulful style she also has blues-tinged songs.
The composer is Curtis Lewis.
At the time of its release, it entered the U.
S.
R&B chart at No.
10.
The song is included on the 1961 album “Aretha.”
Mississippi river bluesGeorge “Harmonica” Smith
A signature solo track by George Smith, the former Muddy Waters Band harpist.
This is the very essence of down-home blues.
Beyond his deep, resonant harp playing, Smith’s richly flavored vocals are also a highlight.
In his later career, Smith moved to Los Angeles and helped revitalize the West Coast blues scene.