Outlaw Blues Music – The Best of the Best
Contents
Welcome to Outlaw Blues Music! We are the best source for the best of the best in blues music. We feature new and upcoming artists, as well as classics and favorites. We have something for everyone, so come on in and explore!
Introduction
There’s a lot of great music out there, but some of it is just better than the rest. When it comes to outlaw blues music, there’s no doubt that the best of the best is the music of the late great Blind Willie McTell.
Born in Georgia in 1898, McTell was a true pioneer of the genre, melding together elements of folk, country, and blues to create a sound that was uniquely his own. Over the course of his career, he released dozens of classic songs that have gone on to become staples of the genre, including “Statesboro Blues”, “Sweet Little Angel”, and “Broke Down Engine Blues”.
Despite his immense talent, McTell never achieved mainstream success during his lifetime. He died in 1959, penniless and largely forgotten by the world. Thankfully, his music has lived on, and today he is widely considered to be one of the greatest blues musicians of all time. If you’re a fan of the blues, or just great music in general, do yourself a favor and check out the best of Blind Willie McTell.
The Best of the Best
There are a lot of great outlaw blues songs out there. But, what are the best of the best? Here is a list of the top 10 outlaw blues songs of all time.
Muddy Waters
Muddy Waters was an American blues singer-songwriter and musician who is often cited as the “Father of Modern Chicago Blues”. His style of playing has been described as “moving, powerful, and expressive”, and his sound defined the modern electric blues. He was a major inspiration for musicians such as Bob Dylan, Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, and Rolling Stones’ lead vocalist Mick Jagger. Waters was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987 and the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1993.
Robert Johnson
Considered by many to be the greatest blues singer and guitarist of all time, Robert Johnson only recorded 29 songs in his brief career.Johnson’s recordings were made between 1936 and 1937, and released on various record labels. He mostly recorded for the American Record Corporation (ARC) and its Vocalion label, but also made recordings for the Library of Congress, which were released posthumously by Columbia Records.
Johnson’s recordings have been influential on blues and rock musicians, including Muddy Waters, Eric Clapton, The Rolling Stones and Led Zeppelin. They have also been re-released numerous times and are available on compact disc.
B.B. King
Born Riley B. King in 1889 in Mississippi, B.B. started playing guitar in church and went on to perform with the likes of Memphis Minnie, Big Bill Broonzy and T-Bone Walker. His approach to the blues was all his own, and by the 1950s he was gigging up to 300 nights a year and had released his first hit single, “Three O’Clock Blues.” His guitar work was characterized by a distinctive style of single-string soloing and a strong sense of swing. He continued to tour and record until his death in 2015, at the age of 89.
Willie Dixon
Willie Dixon was an American blues musician, songwriter, and record producer. He is widely recognized as one of the most influential figures in the history of blues music. His songs have been recorded by some of the most popular musicians of the 20th century, including Muddy Waters, Howlin’ Wolf, Led Zeppelin, and Rolling Stones. Dixon was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1980.
Howlin’ Wolf
Howlin’ Wolf was one of the most original and charismatic figures in the history of the blues. With a voice that was as big and menacing as his 6’ 6”, 285 lb. frame, he terrified audiences and inspired other artists with his primal, amplified sound. At the same time, his songs portrays a courtly Southern gentleman who loved his mama, hated cheaters, and just wanted everyone to have a good time. It was this duality that made him one of the most beloved – and feared – figures in American music.
The Legacy
There’s no mistaking the sounds of outlaw blues music. It’s the perfect marriage of grit and soul, and it has the ability to transport listeners to a different time and place. The best of the best in outlaw blues music are those artists who have managed to keep the genre alive and thriving. Here are a few of them.
The Blues Foundation
The Blues Foundation is a nonprofit, membership-based organization that is dedicated to preserving the history and heritage of blues music. They offer a wide range of programs and services that support the blues community, including educational initiatives, performance opportunities, and grant programs.
The Grammy Awards
In 1965, the first Grammy Awards were held to recognize outstanding achievement in the music industry. The annual awards ceremony has since become one of the most prestigious events in the entertainment world. musicians from all genres of music are nominated for awards in a variety of categories, and the winners are determined by a vote of the Recording Academy’s membership.
The Grammy Awards are often referred to as “the Oscars of the music world,” and winning a Grammy is one of the highest honors that a musician can receive. Over the years, many iconic blues musicians have been recognized with this prestigious award. Here are just a few of the most notable examples:
-B.B. King won 15 Grammy Awards throughout his career, including the Lifetime Achievement Award in 1987.
-Muddy Waters was posthumously awarded the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 1993.
-John Lee Hooker won two Grammy Awards, for Best Traditional blues Album (The Healer) and Best Pop Collaboration with Vocals (“I’m in the Mood”), both in 1991.
-Koko Taylor won the Grammy Award for Best Traditional Blues Album in 1985 ( forcertain I’m Singin’ ) and again in 2000 ( Royal Blue ).
The list goes on, but these are just a few of the many incredible blues musicians who have been recognized by the Recording Academy with a Grammy Award. These awards not only acknowledge the artists’ achievements, but they also help to ensure that blues music will continue to be appreciated and celebrated for generations to come.
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is a music museum located in Cleveland, Ohio. The museum is dedicated to honoring the history and legacy of rock and roll music. The museum houses a large collection of artifacts, exhibits, and documents that tell the story of rock and roll music. The museum also hosts a variety of events and programs that are open to the public.
Conclusion
We have come to the end of our guide to the best outlaw blues music. We hope you have enjoyed learning about this genre of music and its origins. If you are a fan of blues music, then we recommend that you check out some of the artists we have featured in this guide.
