Best Music Videos for Blues Lovers
Did you know that watching music videos can be just as satisfying as listening to music? If you’re a blues lover, check out our list of the best music videos for blues lovers.
The Best of the Best
“Sweet Home Chicago” by Blues Brothers
Starring John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd as two white blues musicians who adopt the personas of black soul artists, The Blues Brothers was released in 1980 to mixed reviews but has since gone on to become a cult classic.
One of the most memorable scenes in the film is when the duo performs “Sweet Home Chicago” at a blues club. The raucous cover of the legendaryRobert Johnson tune features some great playing from Belushi and Aykroyd (who were actually pretty decent musicians) and is backed up by a band that includes Steve Cropper, Matt “Guitar” Murphy, Donald “Duck” Dunn, and Lou Marini Jr.
The Blues Brothers went on to release several albums and even tour extensively, with Belushi’s untimely death in 1982 putting an end to the project. But the legacy of the film (and its iconic soundtrack) lives on.
“Pride and Joy” by Stevie Ray Vaughan
The best music videos for blues lovers should include Stevie Ray Vaughan’s “Pride and Joy.” The video, which was released in 1983, features Vaughan and his band performing the song live. The video is notable for its great sound quality and Vaughan’s impressive guitar playing.
“Crossroads” by Eric Clapton
There are few music videos more iconic than Eric Clapton’s “Crossroads.” The video features Clapton and a host of other legendary blues guitarists performing a blistering rendition of the Robert Johnson classic. It’s a must-watch for any fan of the blues.
The New Generation
The new generation of blues music videos is fresh, vibrant, and filled with soul. These videos bring the best of the old and the new, delivering something for everyone. Whether you’re a fan of the classic sound or the contemporary style, there’s a music video for you.
“The Weight” by The Band
The Band was a Canadian-American rock group who were active from 1968 to 1977. The group consisted of five members: Robbie Robertson (guitar, piano, drums), Levon Helm (drums, mandolin, guitar, bass guitar), Richard Manuel (piano, drums, saxophone), Rick Danko (bass guitar, fiddle, trombone) and Garth Hudson (keyboards).
The Band’s first album, Music from Big Pink (1968), was released to critical acclaim and is considered one of the greatest debut albums in rock music history. The album’s fusion of traditional rock, country and folk influences with a backbeat has been highly influential. “The Weight” is the band’s best-known song and has been covered by numerous artists.
The Band continued to tour and release new music throughout the 1970s. Their final album, Islands (1977), was met with mixed reviews but still reached number 33 on the Billboard 200 chart. The group disbanded following Danko’s death in 1999.
“I Can’t Quit You Baby” by Willie Dixon
Willie Dixon’s “I Can’t Quit You Baby” is a classic blues song that has been covered by some of the biggest names in music, including Led Zeppelin, Cream, and The Grateful Dead. The song is about a man who is trying to leave his lover but can’t seem to do it. In this music video, we see Dixon performing the song with his band. The video is intercut with footage of a man and woman dancing in a dark room. The woman is wearing a white dress and the man is wearing a black suit. The two dancers perfectly capture the sensual and emotional intensity of the lyrics.
“Born Under a Bad Sign” by Albert King
“Born Under a Bad Sign” is a classic blues song written by Booker T. Jones and William Bell. It was first recorded by Jack Crawford in 1966 and later popularized by Albert King in 1967. The song is noted for its catchy guitar riff and has been covered by numerous artists, including Eric Clapton, Cream, Stevie Ray Vaughan, and The Blues Brothers.
The Classics
Everybody has their own opinion on what the best music videos are, but there are some that are universally agreed upon as being great. Here are three of the best music videos for blues lovers that are sure to get you moving.
“Stormy Monday” by T-Bone Walker
Monday mornings are never easy, but they can be a little bit brighter with the help of some soulful blues. T-Bone Walker’s “Stormy Monday” is the perfect song to help get your week started off on the right foot. The lyrics are full of heart and longing, and Walker’s guitar playing is nothing short of masterful.
The music video for “Stormy Monday” is just as stylish and captivating as the song itself. T-Bone Walker is dressed to the nines in a dapper suit, and he looks like he means business. The black-and-white footage only adds to the vintage feel of the video. If you’re looking for a blues classic that will start your week off right, look no further than T-Bone Walker’s “Stormy Monday.”
“I’m Tore Down” by Freddie King
“I’m Tore Down” is a song by Freddie King that was released in 1972. The song has been covered by many artists, including Eric Clapton and Jimi Hendrix. The music video for the song features footage of live performances by King as well as interviews with the artist himself.
“As the Years Go Passing By” by Jimmy Reed
As the Years Go Passing By is a slow, simmering blues song that reflects on the regrets of a life lived with too much hard living. The lyrics are deceptively simple, but they perfectly capture the pathos of a life lived in pursuit of fleeting pleasures. The music video is a montage of footage of Jimmy Reed performing live, intercut with scenes of him hanging out with friends and family. It’s a poignant portrait of a man who was taken too soon.
