Blues Music Monthly: The Best of the Best

Looking for the best in blues music? Look no further than Blues Music Monthly. We feature the best of the best in blues music, including artists, albums, and songs.

Best New Artist:

Tedschi Trucks Band
husband-and-wife Derek Trucks and Susan Tedeschi have pooled their considerable talents to create one of the most successful bands on the contemporary blues scene. The 11-piece Tedschi Trucks Band features a lineup of powerhouse musicians including three drummers, two keyboardists, a five-piece horn section, and three singer-songwriters in addition to the married couple at its core. The group’s debut album, Revelator, was released in 2011 to overwhelming critical acclaim, earning a Grammy Award for Best Blues Album. The group’s 2013 follow-up, Made Up Mind, debuted at #2 on the Billboard 200 chart and won another Grammy for Best Blues Album. The band’s 2016 album Let Me Get By debuted at #1 on Billboard’s Top Contemporary Blues Albums chart and won the Grammy for Best Engineered Album, Non-Classical.

Best Album:

In 2005, Blues Music Monthly published a list of what they considered the best blues albums of all time. We’ve reprinted that list below, with some commentary.

1. Robert Johnson, King of the Delta Blues Singers (1961)

The only album released during Johnson’s lifetime, this is a collection of his recorded work from 1936 to 1937. It features some of his most famous songs, including “Cross Road Blues,” “Sweet Home Chicago,” and “Love in Vain.”

2. Muddy Waters, Hoodoo Man Blues (1965)

Hoodoo Man Blues is considered one of Waters’ best albums, and features his famous band members Otis Spann (piano), James Cotton (harmonica), and Buddy Miles (drums). It includes the hit single “I Can’t Be Satisfied.”

3. Howlin’ Wolf, The Howlin’ Wolf Album (1969)

The Howlin’ Wolf album is a compilation of previously released singles and material recorded between 1960 and 1962. It includes some of Wolf’s most famous songs, like “Smokestack Lightning” and “Spoonful.”

4. John Lee Hooker, The Best of John Lee Hooker (1967)

This album features some of Hooker’s most popular recordings from 1949 to 1964, including “Boogie Chillen” and “Boom Boom.”

5. B.B. King, Live at the Regal (1965)

Recorded live at the Regal Theater in Chicago in 1964, this album features King at the height of his powers. It includes such classic songs as “Every Day I Have the Blues” and “Sweet Little Angel.”

Best Male Artist:

There is no doubt that the best male blues artist of the year is William Bell. His album “This Is Where I Live” was nothing short of a masterpiece, filled with soulful vocals and impeccable songwriting. It was our favorite album of the year, and it’s hard to imagine anyone topping it in 2017.

Best Female Artist:

It is my opinion that the best female artist of Blues Music Monthly is none other than the Queen of Soul herself, Aretha Franklin. I have loved her music ever since I was a young girl and she has inspired me in so many ways. Her voice is like no other and she has a way of connecting with her fans that is truly unique. She has won numerous awards and sold millions of records, but more importantly, she has helped to shape the sound of modern music. She is a true legend and I am honored to call her my favorite artist.

Best Group:

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Each year, the readers of Blues Music Monthly vote on their favorite Blues bands and artists in a variety of categories. This year’s winners have been announced, and we are proud to present them to you.

Best Group: The Fabulous Thunderbirds

The Fabulous Thunderbirds have been entertaining audiences for more than three decades with their trademark blend of Texas blues and rock ‘n’ roll. The band was founded in 1974 by singer/harmonica player Kim Wilson and guitarist Jimmie Vaughan (the brother of legendary bluesman Stevie Ray Vaughan). The Thunderbirds have gone through several lineup changes over the years, but Wilson and Vaughan have remained the core of the band throughout its history.

The Thunderbirds rose to prominence in the 1980s with a series of hit albums and singles, including the classics “Tuff Enuff” and “Wrap It Up.” The band has continued to tour and record steadily in recent years, and they show no signs of slowing down any time soon. If you’re a fan of the Blues, then you need to check out the Fabulous Thunderbirds!

Best Song:

“The Thrill is Gone” by B.B. King
From the album,Completely Well
Genre: electric blues
Length: 5:26
Label: ABC Records
Producer: Bill Szymczyk

Best Blues Rock Artist:

The Best Blues Rock Artist of 2019 is Joe Bonamassa.

Joe Bonamassa is an American blues rock guitarist, singer and songwriter. He started playing guitar at the age of four and has released thirteen solo albums. Bonamassa has been nominated for five Grammy Awards and won three Blues Music Awards. His latest album, Redemption, was released in 2018.

Best Contemporary Blues Artist:

Kenny Wayne Shepherd is an American blues rock guitarist, singer, and songwriter. He has released several studio albums and one live album. In 1995, he was featured on the songs “Slow Ride” and “Dragoninese” from Blues Traveller’s fourth studio album four. He released his self-titled debut album in March of 1997. It featured the singles “Blue on Black”, which peaked at number 55 on the Billboard Hot 100, and “Deja Voodoo”, which peaked at number 11 on the Mainstream Rock Tracks chart. His second album, Trouble Is…, was released in August of 1998 and featured the singles “In 2 Deep” and “Voodoo Chile (Slight Return)”. It peaked at number 46 on the Billboard 200.

Best Traditional Blues Artist:

We are happy to announce the winner of the Best Traditional Blues Artist: Freddie King. His album, “Hideaway”, was released in 1960 and is still considered one of the best blues albums ever recorded. It features some of King’s most famous songs, including “The Stumble”, “Have You Ever Loved a Woman”, and “Hideaway”.

Best Live Performer:

Aretha Franklin
The “Queen of Soul” is also the reigning monarch of live performance. She has the voice, the soul, the style, and the charisma to sweep any audience off its feet and transport it to places it never dreamed possible.