Whether you like Muddy Waters, Robert Johnson, or that bluesy broad Etta James, there's now denying they're all some of the most famous blues musicians of all time. This list of blues singers, ranks the best blues music artists, singers, and musicians, and has been voted on and ranked by blues fans worldwide. Add your own list or vote on the top blues artist in history here. These best blues singers are known for their great voices and music that will stand the test of time, and for spearheading legendary tracks with their good blues bands.
Note that this ranking is for blues artists only - no best blues/blues rock bands here. Many of the greatest bluesmen, old blues singers, and female blues artists are sadly no longer with us, but their legacies live on, often in rock artists who sold millions more records with versions of classic blues songs written by these great blues legends.
Who are the greatest blues artists? These are best blues musicians the world has to offer, from the Mississippi Delta to the streets of Chicago, Detroit, and even London. Make sure to vote for the blues greats you consider to be the top blues artists of all time.
1
1,233335Elmore James
King of the Slide Guitar: The Complete Trumpet, Chief & Fire SessionsGenres (Music): Rhythm and blues, Blues
2
3,686973Stevie Ray Vaughan
Couldn't Stand the Weather, In StepGenres (Music): Blues-rock, Rock music, Instrumental rock, Electric blues, Jazz fusion
3
972250T-Bone Walker
Good Feelin', Charly Blues MasterworksGenres (Music): Jump blues, Chicago blues, Texas blues, Blues, West Coast blues
4
1,779515Albert King
I'll Play the Blues for You, In SessionGenres (Music): Soul blues, Electric blues, Rhythm and blues, Blues
5
935230Willie Dixon
I Am the Blues, Jazz in Paris: Aux Trois MailletzGenres (Music): Jump blues, Chicago blues, Rock music, Rhythm and blues, Rock and roll
6
1,319369Lightnin' Hopkins
The Very Best of Lightnin' Hopkins, Mojo HandGenres (Music): Electric blues, Country blues
7
5,0441,627B.B. King
Let the Good Times Roll, Live at the RegalGenres (Music): Blues-rock, Soul blues, Rock music, Memphis blues, Electric blues
8
1,907512Jimi Hendrix
First Rays of the New Rising Sun, Band of GypsysGenres (Music): Blues-rock, Rock music, Experimental rock, Psychedelia, Heavy metal
9
1,056283The goose dude
I Love the Woman / Hide Away, Getting Ready...Genres (Music): Blues-rock, Rock music, Blues, Funk
10
3,1731,015Robert Johnson
King of the Delta Blues Singers, The Complete RecordingsGenres (Music): Rock music, Blues, Country blues, Delta blues
11
4,4151,439Muddy Waters
Anthology, Super BluesGenres (Music): Blues-rock, Chicago blues, Rock music, Electric blues, Rhythm and blues
12
738182Mississippi John Hurt
Today!, I'm SatisfiedGenres (Music): Folk music, Country, Blues, Country blues, Delta blues
13
893236Sonny Boy Williamson II
One Way Out, Don’t Send Me No FlowersGenres (Music): Harmonica blues, Gospel music, Blues
14
2,736956John Lee Hooker
I'll Play the Blues for You, Live at the Fox Venice TheatreGenres (Music): Americana, Electric blues, Talking blues, Blues, Country blues
15
2,719950Howlin' Wolf
The London Howlin' Wolf Sessions, The Genuine ArticleGenres (Music): Chicago blues, Electric blues, Blues
16
831250Little Walter
Boss Blues Harmonica, Confessin' the BluesGenres (Music): Chicago blues, Rock music, Rhythm and blues, Blues
17
996335Son House
Delta Blues, The Legendary 1941/42 Recordings in Chronological SequenceGenres (Music): Blues, Country blues, Delta blues
18
2,266874Buddy Guy
Damn Right, I've Got the BluesGenres (Music): Chicago blues, Electric blues, Blues
19
719170Albert Collins
Collins Mix: The Best Of, Showdown!Genres (Music): Blues-rock, Blues
20
613171Blind Lemon Jefferson
Complete Recorded Works in Chronological Order, Volume 1: 1925–1926Genres (Music): Blues
21
1,666588Ray Charles
The Birth of Soul, Modern Sounds in Country and Western MusicGenres (Music): Soul blues, Pop music, Rock music, Vocal jazz, Rhythm and blues
22
575152Blind Willie Johnson
Sweeter as the Years Go By, The Soul of a ManGenres (Music): Gospel music, Blues
23
1,410542Etta James
At Last!, Tell MamaGenres (Music): Rock music, Rhythm and blues, Rock and roll, Jazz, Soul music
24
483134Otis Rush
Right Place, Wrong TimeGenres (Music): Chicago blues, Electric blues, Rhythm and blues, Blues
25
996365Billie Holiday
Lady in Satin, Ella Fitzgerald and Billie Holiday at NewportGenres (Music): Torch song, Ballad, Swing music, Traditional pop music, Vocal jazz