A roundup of popular Western blues bands—also recommended for rock fans!

music writerKOH-1
Started working as a music writer as a side job while employed at a record shop, and have been contributing to music magazines and web media for over 15 years. Although Western music is my main field, I always strive to stay curious with the motto, “I like what I like.” I have experience playing in a band, where I was a bassist responsible for songwriting and composition. Instruments I’ve performed on include bass, guitar, and piano. I resumed piano lessons after turning 40 and have been continuing ever since!

If you trace the history of rock ’n’ roll back far enough, you inevitably arrive at the blues.

The deeper you dig, the more you notice the profound allure of the blues.

Our site features many articles covering classic songs and legendary albums of the genre, and when we think of the blues, we typically picture solo artists who are also guitarists.

In this article, however, we’re deliberately focusing on the theme of “blues bands.”

When it comes to bands, the selections tend to lean more toward blues rock than pure, traditional blues.

Still, we’ve included some lesser-known groups as well, so if you’re interested, be sure to check them out!

A roundup of popular Western blues bands—also recommended for rock fans! (11–20)

LaylaDerek and the Dominos

Layla

LaylaDerek and the Dominos

Derek and the Dominos was a supergroup formed in 1970 with Eric Clapton at its center.

Rooted in blues rock while incorporating elements of Southern rock, their distinctive sound left a major mark on the music scene despite their brief existence.

The signature track from their debut album, Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs, is known as a masterpiece that captures Clapton’s aching, unrequited love.

Inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame, the song is a rare collaboration between two genius guitarists: Eric Clapton and Duane Allman.

Be sure to listen to this miraculous ensemble, where soul-stirring blues guitar work and passionate vocals will steal your heart.

Raise the rankinglower

In conclusion

As mentioned at the outset, while many blues masters have led their own backing bands, it’s relatively rare for them to have debuted as a band per se.

This time, many of the selections lean heavily into rock, so they should be easy listens even for blues newcomers.

If your interest is piqued, be sure to dig deeper into the blues itself!