Roundup of Famous Overseas Blues Guitarists
Have you ever come across a song, or a part of a song, being described as “bluesy” while listening to rock or pop? There are many forms of the blues, which is said to be the origin of jazz and rock, and its style can’t be summed up in a single phrase.
Still, those plaintive phrases that evoke the sorrowful historical backdrop in which the blues was born feel distinctly “bluesy,” don’t they? This time, we’re spotlighting legendary guitarists who represent the blues—icons every beginner should know first, along with guitarists who’ve been gaining attention in recent years.
The soulful playing of these blues guitarists might just change your outlook on life!
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- Metal guitarists of the world
- Recommended UK rock bands. Popular overseas bands.
- Famous jazz musicians. Players who have graced the history of jazz.
Summary of famous overseas blues guitarists (41–50)
Smoking GunRobert Cray
Robert Cray, who rose to popularity in the 1980s as a new-generation blues guitarist.
“Smoking Gun” is both his debut single and his biggest hit.
While Cray excels at minor-key blues, his music reveals not only a sense of freshness but also glimpses of the longstanding traditions of Texas and Memphis blues.
Zydeco ShuffleSonny Landreth
Sonny Landreth is one of the foremost slide guitar players of our time.
Eric Clapton has called him “the most underrated blues guitarist,” and this video makes it easy to see why.
You can savor his distinctive “behind-the-slide” technique in depth.
International Blues Jam (Stevie’s Blues)Tommy Emmanuel
It might not be fair to treat Tommy Emmanuel as merely a blues guitarist.
His extraordinary fingerpicking technique allows him to operate in far more realms than just the blues.
That said, it’s also true that the blues lie at his roots.
This piece, dedicated to Stevie Ray Vaughan, vividly tells that story.
Phenomenal WomanRuthie Foster
Lucy Foster was born in Texas.
She started out as a singer-songwriter.
As a child, she was active in a choir.
In college, she discovered the blues.
For some reason, she has the enigmatic background of enlisting in the Navy, where she also formed a band.
After her discharge, she went on to play countless sessions with many musicians.
Lost In LoveAlvin Lee
A guitarist from Nottingham, England.
Influenced by Chuck Berry, he formed a band in London.
His fast playing with full picking is striking, and the occasional use of economy picking became a precursor to sweep picking.
Blues For MAna Popović
A female blues guitarist from Serbia.
With her father being a guitarist, she naturally grew up in an environment surrounded by music from a young age.
In 2012, she moved to Memphis, USA, and after launching her own label, she formed a nine-piece band called Mo’ Better Love.
MonaBo Diddley
In the era when Bo Diddley was active, light and refreshing blues was very rare and highly valued.
With the song “Mona,” he was a pioneer who made blues not only something for Black audiences but also incorporated the straight-ahead, driving feel favored by white listeners.
A must-see for blues fans.