The Best Blues Music CDs
If you’re a fan of the blues, then you know that there are some great CDs out there. But which ones are the best? Here, we take a look at the best blues music CDs, so you can find the perfect one for your collection.
Introduction
The blues is a genre of music that originated in the African-American communities of the United States. It is characterized by its simple, traditional form and its emphasis on improvisation.
The best blues music CDs feature classic recordings by iconic artists such as B.B. King, Muddy Waters, and John Lee Hooker. These albums are essential listening for any fan of the genre.
The Best of the Best
The best blues music CDs are a great way to enjoy the best of the best. There are a lot of different blues CDs out there, but not all of them are created equal. Some are better than others, and some are just plain terrible. But, there are a few that stand out above the rest. These are the best of the best, and they are definitely worth checking out.
Muddy Waters- Hard Again
Released in 1977, Hard Again was Muddy Waters’ first album with the Chess label in nearly two decades. It features an all-star lineup of blues greats, including Little Walter on harmonica, James Cotton on second harmonica, Pinetop Perkins on piano, and Waters’ regular guitarist Bob Margolin. The result is one of the strongest albums of Waters’ later career, containing some of his most spirited and soulful performances. Highlights include a searing cover of Bo Diddley’s “Mannish Boy,” the rollicking title track, and a moving rendition of Willie Dixon’s “I Can’t Be Satisfied.” Hard Again is an essential addition to any blues collection.
John Lee Hooker- The Healer
John Lee Hooker’s The Healer is one of the best blues albums ever recorded. It features some of the finest musicians in the genre, including Carlos Santana, Bonnie Raitt, and George Thorogood. Hooker’s raw, primal style of guitar playing is on full display on tracks like “I’m in the Mood” and ” Boom Boom.” If you’re a fan of the blues, this is a must-have album.
B.B. King- Lucille
If you’re a fan of the blues, then you know that B.B. King is the king. His album Lucille is a must-have for any music lover’s collection. Recorded in 1969, this album features some of King’s most memorable tracks, including “The Thrill Is Gone,” “Bad Luck,” and “Sweet Little Angel.” With its blend of soulful vocals and down-home guitar playing, Lucille is a true classic that belongs in any blues fan’s collection.
Etta James- At Last
Etta James’s career has spanned more than fifty years, and she has been awarded numerous honors during that time, including induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame (in 1993) and the Blues Foundation’s Hall of Fame (in 2001). In addition, At Last! was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1999. Her album The Best of Etta James was also inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2003. In 2008, she received the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.
Etta James was born in Los Angeles, California, on January 25, 1938. Her mother, Dorothy Dandridge Rogers, was a housewife, and her father, Jesse James (not to be confused with the famous outlaw), was a musician who played piano and drums. Etta began singing in her local Baptist church choir when she was five years old. When she was eight years old, she started taking piano lessons from Professor James De BARTolo at Los Angeles City College.
In 1955, she made her first recordings for Modern Records. These recordings were released on the album The Silver Collection: Etta James Sings Pop Ballads and Blues Standards. In 1960, she signed with Chess Records and released her first single for the label, “All I Could Do Was Cry.” The single reached number two on the Billboard R&B chart and helped to make Etta James a household name.
Over the next few years, Etta James released a number of successful singles and albums for Chess Records, including At Last! (1961), Tell Mama (1967), Fire It Up (1969), andRockin’ with Mother-in-Law (1970). In 1973, she left Chess Records and signed with Warner Bros. Records. She continued to release successful albums throughout the 1970s and 1980s, including Blue Gardenia (1973), Stickin’ to My Guns (1990), and Mystery Lady: Songs of Billie Holiday (1994).
In 2003, Etta James was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. Despite her declining health, she continued to perform until 2011 when she retired from touring due to her illness. She passed away on January 20, 2012 at the age of 73.
Albert King- Born Under a Bad Sign
If you are looking for the best of the best in blues music, then you need to check out Albert King’s Born Under a Bad Sign. This CD is full of great blues songs that will get your toes tapping and your hips shaking. King’s guitar playing is second to none, and his voice is full of power and emotion. This is one CD that you will want to add to your collection.
The Rest of the Best
In this section, we’ll cover the rest of the best Blues music CDs. These are the CDs that didn’t make it into our top three, but are still worth checking out. We’ll talk about why they’re great, and what makes them stand out from the rest.
Koko Taylor- Queen of the Blues
If there is one blues singer who deserves the title of “Queen of the Blues,” it is certainly Koko Taylor. Born Cora Walton in Memphis, Tennessee, in 1928, she began her career singing in clubs and bars in the city’s rough-and-tumble Beale Street district. She soon caught the attention of record producer Willie Dixon, who helped her score a record deal with Chess Records. Her first release for the label, “Wang Dang Doodle,” became a huge hit and established her as one of the leading blues vocalists of her generation.
Over the course of her career, Taylor has released more than two dozen albums and earned numerous awards and honors, including a Grammy Award for Best Traditional Blues Album (for 1999’s Old School) and induction into the Blues Foundation Hall of Fame (in 1997). Her unique blend of powerhouse vocals and gut-wrenching emotion has made her one of the most respected and beloved figures in blues music, and she shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon.
If you’re looking for a great introduction to Koko Taylor’s music, start with her classic album Queen of the Blues. Recorded in 1973, it features some of her best-known songs, including “Wang Dang Doodle,” “I’m a Woman,” and “Keepin’ Out of Mischief Now.” It’s a perfect showcase for her incomparable vocal talents, and it’s sure to get your toes tapping.
Buddy Guy- Damn Right, I’ve Got the Blues
Buddy Guy released Damn Right, I’ve Got the Blues in 1991, and the album shot to the top of the Billboard Blues charts. It won a Grammy Award for Best Traditional Blues Album, and cemented Guy’s reputation as one of the greatest blues guitarists of all time. The title track, “Damn Right, I’ve Got the Blues,” is a slow-burning masterpiece, and “Feels Like Rain” features some of Guy’s most soulful singing. If you’re a fan of the blues, or just want to hear some incredible guitar work, this is the album for you.
Otis Rush- Mourning in the Morning
Otis Rush’s Mourning in the Morning is a superb album of slow blues and features some of the guitar legend’s most soulful playing on record. Recorded in 1969, the album features Rush’s trademark emotional style of guitar playing, as well as his trademark wailing vocals. The band backing him is tight and provides a solid foundation for Rush to build his solos on. Highlights include the title track, “All Your Love”, and “Double Trouble”. If you’re a fan of Otis Rush or simply a fan of great slow blues, Mourning in the Morning is an essential album.
Howlin’ Wolf- Moanin’ at Midnight
Howlin’ Wolf’s first album for Chess records features some of his best-known songs, including “Moanin’ at Midnight,” “How Many More Years I Got,” and “Smokestack Lightning.” The latter two songs are considered to be among the most influential in the history of rock and roll, and were both covered by Beatles.
Willie Dixon- I Am the Blues
This is a must have for any Dixon or Chicago Blues fan. It is a 2 CD release that has some of Dixon’s most famous songs including “Hoochie Coochie Man”, “I Can’t Quit You Baby”, and “Wang Dang Doodle”. If you are new to Dixon’s music, this is a great place to start.
