Blues Artists Directory
Directory of early (pre-war) US blues artists, their backgrounds, blues music genres, and instruments played.
Introduction to the details listed
Name – the commonly known name of the artist
More information about each artist can be found by clicking the artist’s name, this will take you to the associated Wikipedia entry if present or to an other source if not. Also included below the artist’s name, where appropriate, are links to other articles on this website with references to the blues artist(s) listed.
Birth Name – the artist’s given birth name
Birthplace – the artist’s place of birth (town/county and state)
For those readers not too familiar with US State abbreviations click here for a full list of all US states.
‘Location’ links are provided here to related articles on this website, where appropriate.
Born-Died – date of birth and date of death
Where the date of birth is not known or there are several possibilities, the most commonly known date is followed by ‘?’.
See the Wikipedia link for more information.
Genres – the artist’s most prominent blues genres
A full list of Blues Genres used in this directory together with a brief description of the genre and stylistic origins is given here.
Instruments – the artist’s preferred instruments
Stand-alone ‘singers’ are denoted as such, whereas musicians who also sang are generally denoted as ‘vocals’.
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Notes:
Please email alan@earlyblues.com if you find any errors.
A similar directory of British blues artists appears separately in the British Blues section (coming soon).
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The Early (Pre-war) US Blues Artists Directory …
| A | Birth Name | Birthplace | Born-Died | Genres | Instruments |
| Black Ace | Babe Kyro Lemon Turner | Hughes Springs, TX | 1905-1972 | Texas, Country | Guitar, Vocals |
| Johnny Ace | John Marshall Alexander Jr. | Memphis, TN | 1929-1954 | R&B | Singer |
| Nathan Abshire | Nathan Abshire | Gueydan, TN | 1913-1981 | Cajun, Swamp | Accordion, Vocals |
| Faye Adams | Fanny Tuell | Newark, NJ | 1932- | Gospel, R&B | Singer |
| Woodrow Adams | Woodrow Wilson Adams | Tchula, MS | 1917-1988 | Delta | Guitar, Harp |
| Texas Alexander | Alger Alexander | Jewell, TX | 1900-1954 | Texas, Country | Singer |
| Luther Allison | Luther Allison | Widener, AR | 1939-1997 | Chicago | Guitar, Vocals |
| Mose Allison | Mose John Allison Jr. | Tippo,MS | 1927-2016 | Mainly Jazz, some Delta | Piano, Trumpet, Vocals |
| Albert Ammons | Albert Clifton Ammons | Chicago, IL | 1907-1949 | Chicago | Piano |
| Pink Anderson | Pinkney Anderson | Laurens, SC | 1900-1974 | Piedmont, Country | Guitar, Vocals |
| Amédé Arduin | Amédé Ardoin | Basile, LA | 1898-1942 | Zydeco, Creole | Accordion, Vocals |
| Billy Boy Arnold | William Arnold | Chicago, IL | 1935- | Chicago, R&B | Harp, Vocals |
| Kokomo Arnold | James Arnold | Lovejoy’s Station, GA | 1901?-1968 | Chicago | Singer, Slide Guitar |
| Cecil Augusta | Cecil Augusta | Memphis, TN | 1920-? | Delta | Guitar, Vocals |
| B | Birth Name | Birthplace | Born-Died | Genres | Instruments |
| DeFord Bailey | DeFord Bailey | Smith County, TN | 1899-1982 | Blues | Harp |
| Kid Bailey | Kid Bailey | Memphis, TN | ? | Delta | Guitar, Vocals |
| LaVern Baker | Delores Evans | Chicago, IL | 1929-1997 | R&B | Singer |
| Mickey Baker | MacHouston Baker | Louisville, KY | 1925-2012 | R&B | Guitar |
| Hank Ballard | John Henry Kendricks | Los Angeles, CA | 1927-2003 | R&B | Singer |
| Barbecue Bob | Robert Hicks | Walnut Grove, GA | 1902-1931 | Piedmont, Country | Guitar, Vocals |
| Dave Bartholemew | Davis Bartholomew | Edgard, LA | 1918- | R&B | Trumpet |
| Nathan Beauregard | Nathan Bogard | Colbert, MS | 1887?-1970 | Delta, Folk | Guitar |
| Carey Bell | Carey Bell Harrington | Macon, MS | 1936-2007 | Chicago | Harp, Vocals |
| Fred Below | Frederick Below, Jr | Chicago, IL | 1926-1988 | Chicago | Drums |
| Gladys Bentley | Gladys Alberta Bentley | Philadelphia, PA | 1907-1960 | Blues | Singer, |
| Buster Benton | Arley Benton | Texarkana, AR | 1932-1996 | Chicago, Soul Blues | Singer, Guitar |
| Chuck Berry | Charles Edward Anderson Berry | St. Louis, MO | 1926-2017 | R&B | Guitar, Vocals |
| Scrapper Blackwell | Francis Hillman Blackwell | Syracuse, SC | 1903-1962 | Chicago, Piedmont | Guitar, Vocals |
| Blind Blake | Arthur Blake | Newport News, VA | 1896-1934 | Piedmont, Country | Guitar, Vocals |
| Bobby ‘Blue’ Bland | Robert Calvin Brooks | Barretville, TN | 1930-2013 | Soul Blues, R&B | Singer |
| Lucille Bogan | Lucille Anderson | Amory, MS | 1897-1948 | Delta, Country | Singer |
| Juke Boy Bonner | Weldon Philip Bonner | Bellville, TX | 1932-1978 | Texas | Singer, Guitar |
| Charley Booker | Charley Booker | Moorhead, MS | 1925-1989 | Delta | Guitar, Vocals |
| James Booker | James Carroll Booker III | New Orleans, LA | 1939-1983 | R&B | Piano, Singer |
| Eddie Boyd | Edward Riley Boyd | Shelby, MS | 1914-1994 | Blues | Piano, Vocals |
| Ishman Bracey | Ishmon Bracey | Byram, MS | 1899-1970 | Delta, Country | Guitar, Vocals |
| Jackie Brenston | Jackie Brenston | Clarksdale, MS | 1930-1979 | R&B | Sax, Singer |
| John Brim | John Charles Brim | Hopkinsville, KY | 1922-2003 | Chicago | Guitar, Singer, |
| Hadda Brooks | Hattie L. Hapgood | Los Angeles, CA | 1916-2002 | Blues, R&B | Singer, Piano |
| Big Bill Broonzy | Lee Conley Bradley | Lake Dick, AR | 1893?-1958 | Chicago, Country, Sprituals | Guitar, Vocals |
| Buster Brown | Buster Brown | Cordele, GA | 1911-1976 | Blues, R&B | Vocals, Harp |
| Charles Brown | Tony Russell Brown | Texas City, TX | 1922-1999 | Blues | Piano, Vocals |
| Clarence ‘Gatemouth’ Brown | Clarence Brown Jr | Vinton, LA | 1924-2005 | Texas | Fiddle, Vocals |
| Nappy Brown | Napoleon Brown Goodson Culp | Charlotte, NC | 1929-2008 | R&B, Blues | Singer |
| Roy Brown | Roy James Brown | Kinder, LA | 1925-1981 | Jump Blues, R&B | Singer |
| Ruth Brown | Ruth Alston Weston | Portsmouth, VA | 1928-2006 | R&B | Singer |
| Willie Brown | Willie Lee Brown | Clarksdale, MS | 1900-1952 | Delta, Country | Guitar, Vocals |
| Bumble Bee Slim | Admiral Amos Easton | Brunswick, GA | 1905-1968 | Piedmont | Singer, Guitar |
| RL Burnside | Robert Lee Burnside | Harmontown, MS | 1926-2005 | Hill Country Blues | Guitar, Vocals |
| Charlie Burse | Charlie Burse | Sheffield, AL | 1901-1965 | Memphis | Guitar, Banjo |
| George ‘Wild Child’ Butler | George Butler | Aulaugaville, AL | 1936-2005 | Memphis | Harp, Vocals |
| Butterbeans and Susie | Jodie & Susie Edwards | Unknown | Jodie: 1893-1967 Susie: 1894-1963 |
Blues | Singers |
| C | Birth Name | Birthplace | Born-Died | Genres | Instruments |
| Gus Cannon | Gustavus Cannon | Red Banks, MS | 1883-1979 | Memphis | Banjo, Jug |
| Carolina Slim | Edward P. Harris | Leasburg, NC | 1923-1953 | Piedmont | Guitar |
| Leroy Carr | Leroy Carr | Nashville, TN | 1905-1935 | Blues | Piano, Vocals |
| Sister Wynona Carr | Wynona Merceris Carr | Cleveland, OH | 1923-1976 | R&B | Singer |
| Bo Carter | Armenter Chatmon | Bolton, MS | 1893-1964 | Delta, Country | Singer, Guitar |
| John Cephas | John Cephas | Washington DC | 1930-2009 | Piedmont | Vocals, Guitar |
| Good Rockin’ Charles | Henry Lee Bester | Tuscaloosa, AL | 1933-1989 | Chicago | Harp, Singer |
| Ray Charles | Ray Charles Robinson | Albany, GA | 1930-2004 | Soul Blues, R&B | Singer, Piano |
| Sam Chatmon | Sam Chatmon | Bolton, MS | 1897-1983 | Delta | Vocals, Guitar |
| Boozoo Chavis | Wilson Anthony Chavis | Church Point, LA | 1930-2001 | Zydeco | Accordion, Vocals |
| Clifton Chenier | Clifton Chenier | Opelousas, LA | 1925-1987 | Zydeco | Accordion, Vocals |
| WC Clark | Wesley Curley Clark | Austin, TX | 1939- | Texas | Singer, Guitar |
| Doctor Clayton | Peter Joe Clayton | Georgia | 1898-1947 | Chicago | Singer |
| Jaybird Coleman | Burl C. Coleman | Gainsville, AL | 1896-1950 | Country | Vocals, Harp |
| Albert Collins | Albert Gene Drewery | Leona, TX | 1932-1993 | Texas, Blues Rock, Jump Blues | Vocals, Guitar |
| Sam Collins | Sam Collins | Louisiana | 1887-1949 | Delta | Vocals, Guitar |
| Johnny Copeland | John Clyde Copeland | Haynesville, LA | 1937-1997 | Texas | Singer, Guitar |
| Elizabeth Cotten | Elizabeth Nevills | Carrboro, NC | 1893-1987 | Blues | Vocals, Banjo, Guitar |
| James Cotton | James Henry Cotton | Tunica, MS | 1935-2017 | Chicago | Harp, Vocals |
| Don Covay | Donald James Randolph | Orangeburg, SC | 1936-2015 | R&B | Singer |
| Ida Cox | Ida M. Prather | Toccoa, GA | 1896-1967 | Blues | Singer |
| Pee-Wee Crayton | Connie Curtis Crayton | Rockdale, TX | 1914-1985 | Blues, R&B | Vocals, Guitar |
| Arthur ‘Big Boy’ Crudup | Arthur William Crudup | Forest, MS | 1905-1974 | Chicago, Delta | Vocals, Guitar |
| D | Birth Name | Birthplace | Born-Died | Genres | Instruments |
| Daddy Stovepipe | Johnny Watson | Mobile, AL | 1867-1973 | Blues | Singer, Guitar, Harp |
| Julius Daniel | Julius Daniels | Denmark, SC | 1901-1947 | Piedmont | Guitar, Vocals |
| Rev. Gary Davis | Gary D. Davis | Laurens, SC | 1896-1972 | Gospel Blues, Piedmont | Guitar |
| James ‘Thunderbird’ Davis | James Louis Huston | Prichard, AL | 1938-1992 | Texas | Singer |
| Blind John Davis | John Henry Davis | Hattiesburg, MS | 1913-1985 | Chicago | Piano, Vocals |
| Mamie ‘Galore’ Davis | Mamie Davis | Erwin, MS | 1940-2001 | Blues | Singer |
| Walter Davis | Walter Davis | Grenada, MS | 1911-1963 | St. Louis | Piano |
| Cow Cow Davenport | Charles Edward Davenport | Anniston, AL | 1894-1955 | Piano Blues | Piano |
| Jimmy Dawkins | James Henry Dawkins | Tchula, MS | 1936-2013 | Chicago | Guitar, Vocals |
| John Delafose | John Irvin Delafose | Duralde, LA | 1939-1994 | Zydeco | Accordion, Vocals |
| Bo Diddley | Ellas Otha Bates | McComb, MS | 1928-2008 | R&B | Vocals, Guitar |
| Willie Dixon | William James Dixon | Vicksburg, MS | 1915-1992 | Chicago | Double Bass |
| Lefty Dizz | Walter Williams | Osceola, AR | 1937-1993 | Chicago | Guitar, Vocals |
| Fats Domino | Antoine Domino Jr | New Orleans, LA | 1928-2017 | R&B | Vocals, Piano |
| Thomas A Dorsey | Thomas Andrew Dorsey | Vila Rica, GA | 1899-1993 | Gospel Blues | Vocals, Piano |
| Lee Dorsey | Irving Lee Dorsey | New Orleans, LA | 1924-1986 | R&B | Singer |
| Driftin’ Slim | Elmon Mickle | Keo, AR | 1919-1977 | Blues | Harp, Vocals |
| Champion Jack’ Dupree | William Thomas Dupree | New Orleans, LA | 1910-1992 | Blues | Vocals, Piano |
| E | Birth Name | Birthplace | Born-Died | Genres | Instruments |
| Snooks Eaglin | Fird Eaglin, Jr. | New Orleans , LA | 1937-2009 | Blues | Vocals, Guitar |
| Dave ‘Honeyboy’ Edwards | David Edwards | Shaw, MS | 1915-2011 | Delta | Vocals, Guitar |
| Big Chief Ellis | Wilbert Thirkield Ellis | Birmingham, AL | 1914-1977 | Blues | Piano, Vocals |
| Sleepy John Estes | John Adams Estes | Ripley, TN | 1899-1977 | Country | Vocals, Guitar |
| F | Birth Name | Birthplace | Born-Died | Genres | Instruments |
| Frankie Ford | Vincent Francis Guzzo, Jr | Gretna, LA | 1939-2015 | R&B | Singer, Piano |
| Leroy ‘Baby Face’ Foster | Leroy Foster | Algoma, MS | 1923-1958 | Chicago | Drums, Guitar, Vocals |
| Left-Hand Frank | Frank Craig | Greenville, MS | 1935-1992 | Chicago | Guitar, Vocals |
| Blind Boy Fuller | Fulton Allen | Wadesboro, NC | 1907-1941 | Piedmont | Guitar, Vocals |
| Lowell Fulson | Lowell Fulson | Atoka, OK | 1921-1999 | West Coast, Jump Blues | Guitar, Vocals |
| Jesse Fuller | Jesse Fuller | Jonesboro, GA | 1896-1976 | West Coast | Guitar, Harp, Fotdella, Vocals |
| G | Birth Name | Birthplace | Born-Died | Genres | Instruments |
| Bob Gaddy | Bob Gaddy | Vivian, WV | 1924-1997 | East Coast | Piano, Vocals |
| Earl Gaines | Earl Gaines, Jr | Decatur, AL | 1935-2009 | Soul Blues, R&B | Singer, Drums |
| Roy Gaines | Roy James Gaines | Waskom, TX | 1934- | Texas, East Coast | Guitar, Vocals |
| Cecil Gant | Cecil Gant | Columbia, TN | 1913-1951 | R&B, Blues | Piano, Vocals |
| Rev J M Gates | James M. Gates | Hogansville, GA | 1884-1945 | Gospel Blues | Preacher |
| Rosco Gordon | Rosco N. Gordon III | Memphis, TN | 1928-2002 | Memphis Blues, R&B | Piano, Vocals |
| Jazz Gillum | William McKinley Gillum | Indianola, MS | 1904-1966 | Chicago | Harp, Singer |
| Guitar Slim | Eddie Jones | Greenwood, MS | 1926-1959 | New Orleans | Guitar, Vocals |
| Lil Green | Lillian Green | Mississippi | 1919-1954 | Blues | Singer |
| Guitar Shorty | David William Kearney | Houston, TX | 1934- | Texas | Guitar |
| Arthur Gunter | Arthur Neal Gunter | Vesta, GA | 1926-1976 | Blues, R&B | Guitar, Vocals |
| Buddy Guy | George Guy | Lettsworth, LA | 1936- | Chicago | Guitar, Vocals |
| H | Birth Name | Birthplace | Born-Died | Genres | Instruments |
| Vera Hall | Adell Hall Ward | Sumter County, AL | 1902-1964 | Folk, Country Blues, Spirituals | Vocals |
| WC Handy | William Christopher Handy | Florence, AL | 1873-1958 | Blues | Piano |
| Pat Hare | Auburn Hare | Cherry Valley, AR | 1930-1980 | Memphis | Guitar, Vocals |
| Harmonica Frank | Frank Floyd | Toccopola, MS | 1908-1984 | Rock ‘n’ Blues | Harp, Singer |
| Slim Harpo | James Isaac Moore | Lobdell, LA | 1924-1970 | Swamp | Harp, Guitar, Vocals |
| Don ‘Sugarcane’ Harris | Don Francis Bowman Harris | Pasadena, CA | 1938-1999 | R&B | Violin, Guitar |
| Wynonie Harris | Wynonie Harris | Omaha, NE | 1915-1969 | R&B | Guitar, Vocals |
| Wilbert Harrison | Wilbert Huntington Harrison | Charlotte, NC | 1929-1994 | R&B | Guitar, Piano, Vocals |
| Screamin’ Jay Hawkins | Jalacy Hawkins | Cleveland, OH | 1929-2000 | R&B, Blues | Vocals, Piano |
| Lucille Hegamin | Lucille Nelson | Macon, GA | 1894-1970 | Classic Female Blues | Singer |
| Jessie Mae Hemphill | Jessie Mae Hemphill | Como, MS | 1923-2006 | Hill Country Blues | Singer, Guitar |
| Blind Joe Hill | Joseph Thomas Hill | Dunbar, WV | 1931-1998 | Blues | Guitar, Drums, Harp, Vocals |
| ZZ Hill | Arzell J. Hill | Naples, TX | 1935-1984 | Blues | Singer |
| Earl Hooker | Earl Zebedee Hooker | Quitman County, MS | 1930-1970 | Chicago | Guitar |
| John Lee Hooker | John Lee Hooker | Tutwiler, MS | 1917-2001 | Blues | Guitar, Vocals |
| Lightnin’ Hopkins | Sam John Hopkins | Centerville, TX | 1912-1982 | Texas | Guitar, Vocals |
| Shakey Horton | Walter Horton | Horn Lake, MS | 1921-1981 | Chicago | Harp, Vocals |
| Son House | Edward James House, Jr. | Lyon, MS | 1902-1988 | Delta | Guitar, Vocals |
| Peg-Leg Howell | Joshua Barnes Howell | Eatonton, GA | 1888-1966 | Piedmont, Country | Guitar, Vocals |
| Helen Humes | Helen Humes | Louisville, KY | 1913-1981 | Singer | |
| Alberta Hunter | Alberta Hunter | Memphis, TN | 1895-1984 | Blues | Singer |
| Ivory Joe Hunter | Ivory Joe Hunter | Kirbyville, TX | 1914-1974 | R&B, Blues | Piano, Vocals |
| Mississippi John Hurt | John Smith Hurt | Teoc, MS | 1892-1966 | Delta, Country | Guitar, Vocals |
| J B Hutto | Joseph Benjamin Hutto | Blackville, SC | 1926-1983 | Chicago | Guitar, Vocals |
| I | Birth Name | Birthplace | Born-Died | Genres | Instruments |
| Cat Iron | William Carradine | Garden City, LA | 1896-1958 | Blues | Guitar, Vocals |
| J | Birth Name | Birthplace | Born-Died | Genres | Instruments |
| Papa Charlie Jackson | William Henry Jackson | New Orleans | 1887-1938 | Blues | Banjo, Guitar, Singer |
| Elmore James | Elmore Brooks | Richland, MS | 1918-1963 | Blues | Guitar, Vocals |
| Etta James | Jamesetta Hawkins | Los Angeles, CA | 1938-2012 | Blues, R&B | Singer |
| Homesick James | John William Henderson | Somerville, TN | 1910-2006 | Chicago | Guitar, Vocals |
| Skip James | Nehemiah Curtis James | Bentonia, MS | 1902-1969 | Delta | Guitar, Vocals |
| Frankie ‘Half Pint’ Jaxon | Frank Devera Jackson | Montgomery, AL | 1897-1953 | Chicago | Singer |
| Blind Lemon Jefferson | Lemon Henry Jefferson | Coutchman, TX | 1893-1929 | Texas, Country | Guitar, Vocals |
| Little Willie John | William Edward John | Cullendale, AR | 1937-1968 | R&B | Singer |
| Blind Willie Johnson | William Johnson | Pendleton, TX | 1897-1945 | Texas | Guitar, Vocals |
| Johnnie Johnson | John Clyde Johnson | Fairmont, WV | 1924-2005 | Blues | Piano |
| Larry Johnson | Larry Alonzo Johnson | Wrightsville, GA | 1938-2016 | Piedmont | Guitar, Vocals |
| Lonnie Johnson | Alonzo Johnson | New Orleans, LA | 1899-1970 | St. Louis, Country, Piedmont | Guitar, Vocals, Violin |
| Luther ‘Guitar Junior’ Johnson | Luther Johnson | Itta Bena, MS | 1939- | Chicago | Singer, Guitar |
| Luther ‘Snake Boy’ Johnson | Lucious Brinson | Davisboro, LA | 1941-1976 | Chicago | Guitar, Vocals |
| Robert Johnson | Robert Leroy Johnson | Hazlehurst, MS | 1911-1938 | Delta | Guitar, Vocals |
| Tommy Johnson | Tom Johnson | Terry, MS | 1896-1956 | Delta | Guitar, Vocals |
| Curtis Jones | Curtis Jones | Naples, TX | 1906-1971 | Piano Blues | Vocals, Piano |
| Floyd Jones | Floyd Jones | Marianna, AR | 1917-1989 | Chicago | Guitar, Singer |
| Little Hat Jones | George Jones | Bowie county, TX | 1899-1981 | Texas | Guitar, Vocals |
| Little Johnny Jones | Johnnie Jones | Jackson, MS | 1924-1964 | Chicago | Vocals, Piano |
| Louis Jordan | Louis Thomas Jordan | Brinkley, AR | 1908-1975 | Blues, Jump blues, R&B | Sax, Vocals |
| K | Birth Name | Birthplace | Born-Died | Genres | Instruments |
| Willie Kent | Willie Kent | Inverness, MS | 1936-2006 | Chicago | Bass, Vocals |
| Junior Kimbrough | David Kimbrough Jr | Hudsonville, MS | 1930-1998 | Hill country blues | Guitar, Vocals |
| Big Daddy Kinsey | Lester J. Kinsey Jr. | Pleasant Grove, MS | 1927-2001 | Chicago | Guitar, Harp, Vocals |
| Albert King | Albert Nelson | Indianola, MS | 1923-1992 | Blues | Guitar, Vocals |
| B.B.King | Riley B. King | Itta Bena, MS | 1925- 2015 | Blues | Guitar, Vocals |
| Earl King | Earl Silas Johnson IV | New Orleans, LA | 1934-2003 | Blues | Guitar, Vocals |
| Freddie King | Fred King | Gilmar, TX | 1934-1976 | Texas, Chicago | Guitar, Vocals |
| L | Birth Name | Birthplace | Born-Died | Genres | Instruments |
| Lafayette Leake | Lafayette Leake | Winona, MI | 1919-1990 | Chicago | Piano |
| Leadbelly | Huddie William Ledbetter | Mooringsport, LA | 1888-1949 | Country blues | Guitar, Vocals |
| Lovie Lee | Edward Lee Watson | Chattanooga, TN | 1909-1997 | Chicago | Piano, Vocals |
| Iry LeJeune | Ira LeJeune | Poiinte Noire, LA | 1928-1955 | Cajun | Accordion, Singer |
| J B Lenior | J. B. Lenoir | Monticello, MS | 1929-1967 | Chicago | Guitar, Vocals |
| Cousin Leroy | Leroy Rozier | Chester, GA | 1925-2008 | Urban | Singer, Harp |
| Lazy Lester | Leslie Carswell Johnson | Torras, LA | 1933- | Swamp | Singer, Harp |
| Furry Lewis | Walter E. Lewis | Greenwood, MS | 1893-1981 | Memphis | Vocals, Guitar |
| Meade ‘Lux’ Lewis | Anderson Meade Lewis | Chicago, IL | 1905-1964 | Chicago | Piano |
| Noah Lewis | Noah Lewis | Henning, TN | 1891-1961 | Memphis | Harp |
| Smiley Lewis | Overton Amos Lemons | DeQuincy,LA | 1913-1966 | Blues, R&B | Singer, Guitar |
| Joe Liggins | Theodro Elliott | Seminole, OK | 1915-1987 | R&B, Jump blues | Piano, Vocals |
| Papa George Lightfoot | Alexander Lightfoot | Natchez, MS | 1924-1971 | Delta | Harp, Vocals |
| Lightnin’ Slim | Otis Verries Hicks | St. Louis, MO | 1913-1974 | Swamp, Louisiana blues | Guitar, Vocals |
| Charley Lincoln | Charlie Hicks, Jr. | Lithonia, GA | 1900-1963 | Piedmont | Singer, Guitar |
| Little Sonny | Aaron Willis | Greensboro, AL | 1932- | Electric blues | Singer, Harp |
| Johnny Littlejohn | John Wesley Funchess | Lake, MS | 1931-1994 | Chicago | Guitar, Singer |
| Mance Lipscomb | Beau De Glen Lipscomb | Navasota, TX | 1895-1976 | Texas | Singer, Guitar |
| Robert Lockwood Jr. | Robert Lockwood Jr. | Turkey Scratch, AR | 1915-2006 | Delta, Chicago, Country blues | Guitar, Vocals |
| Lonesome Sundown | Cornelius Green III | Donaldsville, LA | 1928-1995 | Swamp | Guitar, Singer |
| Professor Longhair | Henry Roeland Byrd | Bogalusa, LA | 1918-1980 | New Orleans, Louisiana blues | Vocals, Piano |
| Joe Hill Louis | Lester Hill | Raines, TN | 1921-1957 | Memphis | Singer, Guitar |
| Louisiana Red | Iverson Minter | Bessemer, AL | 1936-2012 | Blues | Singer, Guitar |
| Willie Love | Willie Love Jr. | Duncan, MS | 1906-1953 | Delta, R&B | Vocals, Piano |
| M | Birth Name | Birthplace | Born-Died | Genres | Instruments |
| Willie Mabon | Willie James Mabon | Hollywood, TN | 1925-1985 | R&B | Piano, Vocals |
| Lonnie Mack | Lonnie McIntosh | West Harrison, IN | 1941-2016 | Blues, Blues-rock | Guitar, Vocals |
| Magic Sam | Samuel Gene Maghett | Grenada County, MS | 1937-1969 | Chicago | Guitar, Vocals |
| Magic Slim | Morris Holt | Torrance, MS | 1937-2013 | Chicago | Guitar, Vocals |
| Sara Martin | Sara Martin | Louisville, KY | 1884-1955 | Classic female blues | Singer |
| Big Maybelle | Mabel Louise Smith | Jackson, TN | 1924-1972 | R&B | Singer |
| Percy Mayfield | Percy Mayfield | Minden, LA | 1920-1984 | R&B | Piano, Vocals |
| Tommy McClennan | Tommy McClennan | Durant, MS | 1905-1961 | Delta, Country | Guitar, Singer |
| Papa’ Charlie McCoy | Charles McCoy | Jackson, MS | 1909-1950 | Delta | Guitar, Mandolin |
| Kansas Joe McCoy | Wilbur Joe McCoy | Raymond, MS | 1905-1950 | Delta | Guitar, Vocals |
| Jimmy McCracklin | James David Walker Jr. | Elaine, AR | 1921-2012 | West Coast, Jump blues | Piano, Vocals |
| Mississippi Fred McDowell | Fred McDowell | Rossville, TN | 1906-1972 | Hill country blues | Guitar, Vocals |
| Brownie McGhee | Walter Brown McGhee | Knoxville, TN | 1915-1996 | Piedmont, Country | Guitar, Vocals |
| Sticks’ McGhee | Granville Henry McGhee | Knoxville, TN | 1918-1961 | Jump blues | Guitar, Singer |
| Blind Willie McTell | William Samuel McTier | Thompson, GA | 1898-1959 | Country, Piedmont, Delta | Guitar, Vocals |
| Memphis Minnie | Lizzie Douglas | Algiers, LA | 1897-1973 | Memphis | Guitar, Vocals |
| Memphis Slim | John Len Chatman | Memphis, TN | 1915-1988 | Blues | Piano, Vocals |
| Big Maceo Merriweather | Major Merriweather | Newnan, GA | 1905-1953 | Chicago | Piano, Singer |
| Amos Milburn | Joseph Amos Milburn, Jr. | Houston, TX | 1927-1980 | R&B, Jump blues | Piano, Vocals |
| Roy Milton | Roy Bunny Milton | Wynnewood, OK | 1907-1983 | R&B, Jump blues | Singer, Drummer |
| Little Milton | James Milton Campbell Jr. | Inverness, MS | 1934-2005 | R&B | Guitar, Vocals |
| Little Brother Montgomery | Eurreal Wilford Montgomery | Kentwood, LA | 1906-1985 | Blues | Piano, Vocals |
| Whistlin’ Alex Moore | Alexander Herman Moore | Dallas, TX | 1899-1989 | Blues | Piano, Singer |
| Monette Moore | Monette Moore | Gainesville, TX | 1902-1962 | Classic female blues | Singer |
| Buddy Moss | Eugene Moss | Jewell, GA | 1914-1984 | Blues | Guitar, Harp, Vocals |
| Matt ‘Guitar’ Murphy | Matthew Tyler Murphy | Sunflower, MS | 1929-2018 | Chicago | Guitar |
| Sam Myers | Samuel Joseph Myers | Laurel, MS | 1936-2006 | Blues | Harp, Singer |
| N | Birth Name | Birthplace | Born-Died | Genres | Instruments |
| Robert Nighthawk | Robert Lee McCollum | Helena, AR | 1909-1967 | Blues | Guitar, Singer |
| Hammie Nixon | Hammie Nickerson | Brownsville, TX | 1908-1984 | Country blues | Harp |
| O | Birth Name | Birthplace | Born-Died | Genres | Instruments |
| St. Louis Jimmy’ Oden | James Burke Oden | Nashville, TN | 1903-1977 | Blues | Piano, Singer |
| Andrew Odom | Andrew Odom | Denham Springs, LA | 1936-1991 | Chicago | Singer |
| Johnny Otis | Ioannis Alexandres Veliotes | Vallejo, CA | 1921-2012 | R&B | Piano, Drums, Vocals |
| Jack Owens | L. F. Nelson | Bentonia, MS | 1904-1997 | Delta | Guitar, Singer |
| P | Birth Name | Birthplace | Born-Died | Genres | Instruments |
| Bobby Parker | Robert Lee Parker | Lafayette, LA | 1937-2013 | Blues-rock | Guitar, Vocals |
| Junior Parker | Herman Parker, Jr. | Bobo, MS | 1932-1971 | Blues | Harp, Vocals |
| Earl Palmer | Earl Cyril Palmer | New Orleans, LA | 1924-2008 | R&B | Drums |
| Charley Patton | Charley Patton | Hinds County, MS | 1891?-1934 | Delta, Country | Guitar, Vocals |
| Les Paul | Lester William Polsfuss | Waukesha, WI | 1915-2009 | Blues | Guitar |
| Peg Leg Sam | Arthur Jackson | Jonesville, SC | 1911-1977 | Country blues | Harp, Vocals |
| Pinetop Perkins | Joe Willie Perkins | Belzoni, MS | 1913-2011 | Piano, Delta, Chicago | Piano, Vocals |
| Brewer Phillips | Brewer Phillips | Coila, MS | 1924-1999 | Blues, Chicago | Guitar, Vocals |
| Piano Red | Willie Lee Perryman | Hampton, GA | 1911-1985 | Blues, R&B | Piano, Vocals |
| Piano C Red | James Wheeler | Montevallo, AL | 1933-2013 | Chicago | Vocals, Piano |
| Lloyd Price | Lloyd Price | Kenner, LA | 1933- | R&B | Singer |
| Sammy Price | Samuel Blythe Price | Honey Grove, TX | 1908-1992 | Jump blues | Piano |
| Snooky Pryor | James Edward Pryor | Lambert, MS | 1921-2006 | Chicago, Delta | Harp, Vocals |
| R | Birth Name | Birthplace | Born-Died | Genres | Instruments |
| Yank Rachell | James A. Rachel | Brownsville, TN | 1910-1997 | Country blues | Vocals, Mandolin, Guitar |
| Ma Rainey | Gertrude Pridgett | Columbus, GA | 1886-1939 | Classic female blues | Singer |
| A C Reed | Aaron Corthen | Wardell, MO | 1926-2004 | Chicago | Vocals, Sax |
| Jimmy Reed | Mathis James Reed | Dunleith, MS | 1925-1976 | Blues | Vocals, Guitar, Harp |
| Blind Joe Reynolds | Joe Reynolds | Tallulah, LA | 1904-1968 | Blues | Singer, Guitar |
| Tommy Ridgley | Thomas Herman Ridgley | New Orleans, LA | 1925-1999 | Blues, R&B | Singer |
| Little Richard | Richard Wayne Penniman | Macon, GA | 1932- | R&B | Piano, Vocals |
| Fenton Robinson | Fenton Lee Robinson | Greenwood, MS | 1935-1997 | Chicago | Singer, Guitar |
| Rockin’ Dopsie | Alton Jay Rubin | Carencro, LA | 1932-1993 | Zydeco | Accordion, Singer |
| Jimmy Rogers | Jay Arthur Lane | Ruleville, MS | 1924-1997 | Chicago | Guitar |
| Dr. Ross | Charles Isaiah Ross | Tunica, MS | 1925-1993 | Detroit | Harp, Singer |
| Freddie Roulette | Frederick Martin Roulette | Evanston, IL | 1939- | Chicago | Lap steel guitar |
| Otis Rush | Otis Rush, Jr. | Philadelphia, MS | 1934- | Chicago | Vocals, Guitar |
| Jimmy Rushing | James Andrew Rushing | Oklahoma City, OK | 1903-1972 | Blues | Singer |
| Bobby Rush | Emmett Ellis Jr. | Homer, LA | 1940- | Chicago, Blues, R&B | Singer |
| S | Birth Name | Birthplace | Born-Died | Genres | Instruments |
| Dan Sane | Daniel Sains | Hernando, MS | 1896-1956 | Memphis, Country | Guitar, Vocals |
| Will Shade | William Shade Jr | Memphis, TN | 1898-1966 | Memphis | Harp |
| Robert Shaw | Robert Shaw | Stafford, TX | 1908-1985 | Blues | Piano, Vocals |
| Johnny Shines | John Ned Shines | Memphis, TN | 1915-1992 | Blues | Guitar, Vocals |
| J D Short | J.D. Short | Port Gibson, MS | 1902-1962 | Delta | Guitar, Vocals |
| Henry ‘Son’ Simms | Henry Sims | Anguilla, MS | 1890-1958 | Delta | Fiddle |
| Frankie Lee Sims | Frankie Lee Sims | New Orleans, LA | 1917-1970 | Texas | Guitar, Vocals |
| Barkin’ Bill Smith | William Smith | Cleveland, MS | 1928-2000 | Chicago | Vocals |
| Bessie Smith | Bessie Smith | Chattanooga, TN | 1894-1937 | Blues | Singer |
| Clara Smith | Clara Smith | Spartenburg County, SC | 1894-1935 | Classic female blues | Singer |
| George ‘Harmonica’ Smith | Allen George Smith | West Helena, AR | 1924-1983 | Blues | Harp |
| Huey ‘Piano’ Smith | Huey Pierce Smith | New Orleans, LA | 1934- | R&B | Piano |
| Mamie Smith | Mamie Robinson | Cincinnati, OH | 1883-1946 | Blues | Singer |
| Moses ‘Whispering’ Smith | Moses Smith | Union Church, MS | 1932-1984 | Swamp Blues | Harp, Vocals |
| Pinetop Smith | Clarence Smith | Troy, AL | 1904-1929 | Blues | Piano |
| Smokey Smothers | Otis Smothers | Lexington, MS | 1929-1993 | Chicago | Guitar, Vocals |
| Otis Spann | Otis Spann | Belzoni, MS | 1924-1970 | Chicago | Piano, Vocals |
| Speckled Red | Rufus George Perryman | Hampton, GA | 1892-1973 | Blues | Piano, Vocals |
| Victoria Spivey | Victoria Regina Spivey | Houston, TX | 1906-1976 | Blues | Singer |
| Houston Stackhouse | Houston Goff | Wesson, MS | 1910- 1980 | Delta, Country | Guitar, Vocals |
| Roebuck ‘Pops’ Staples | Roebuck Staples | Winona, MS | 1914-2000 | R&B, Blues | Guitar, Vocals |
| Frank Stokes | Frank Stokes | Shelby County, TN | 1888-1955 | Delta, Country | Guitar, Singer |
| Hubert Sumlin | Hubert Charles Sumlin | Greenwood, MS | 1931-2011 | Chicago | Guitar, Vocals |
| Sunnyland Slim | Albert Luandrew | Vance, MS | 1906-1995 | Blues | Piano |
| Freddie Spruell | Freddie Spruell | Lake Providence, LA | 1893-1956 | Delta, Country | Guitar, Singer |
| Roosevelt Sykes | Roosevelt Sykes | Elmar, AR | 1906-1983 | St. Louis | Piano, Vocals |
| T | Birth Name | Birthplace | Born-Died | Genres | Instruments |
| T-Model Ford | James Lewis Carter Ford | Forest, MS | 1921?-2013 | Delta, Blues-rock | Singer, Guitar |
| Tampa Red | Hudson Woodbridge | Smithville, GA | 1903-1981 | Chicago | Guitar, Vocals |
| Tarheel Slim | Allen Rathel Bunn | Bailey, NC | 1923-1977 | Blues, R&B | Guitar, Vocals |
| Baby Tate | Charles Henry Tate | Elberton, GA | 1920-1972 | Piedmont, Country | Singer, Guitar |
| Eddie ‘Playboy’ Taylor | Edward Taylor | Benoit, MS | 1923-1985 | Delta | Guitar |
| Eva Taylor | Irene Joy Gibbons | St. Louis, MO | 1895-1977 | Blues | Singer |
| Hound Dog Taylor | Theodore Roosevelt Taylor | Natchez, MS | 1915-1975 | Chicago, Blues-rock | Guitar, Vocals |
| Koko Taylor | Cora Anna Walton | Shelby County, TN | 1928-2009 | Chicago, R&B | Singer |
| Sam ‘The Man’ Taylor | Samuel Leroy Taylor, Jr. | Lexington, TN | 1916-1990 | R&B | Sax |
| Johnny ‘Geechie’ Temple | Johnny Temple | Hazlehurst, MS | 1906-1968 | Delta | Guitar, Vocals |
| Sonny Terry | Saunders Terrell | Greensboro, GA | 1911-1986 | Piedmont, Country | Harp, Vocals |
| Sister Rosetta Tharpe | Rosetta Nubin | Cotton Plant, AR | 1915-1973 | Gospel blues, R&B | Guitar, Vocals |
| James ‘Son’ Thomas | JamesThomas | Eden, MS | 1926-1993 | Delta | Guitar, Singer |
| Rufus Thomas | Rufus C. Thomas, Jr | Cayce, MS | 1917-2001 | R&B | Singer |
| Tabby Thomas | Ernest Joseph Thomas | Baton Rouge, LA | 1929-2014 | Swamp | Singer, Piano |
| Big Mama Thornton | Willie Mae Thornton | Ariton, AL | 1926-1984 | R&B, Texas | Vocals, Harp |
| Allen Toussaint | Allen Toussaint | Gert Town, LA | 1938-2015 | R&B | Piano |
| Henry Townsend | Henry Jesse James Townsend | Shelby, MS | 1909-2006 | Blues | Guitar, Vocals |
| Tommy Tucker | Robert Higginbotham | Springfield, OH | 1933-1982 | Blues | Singer, Piano |
| Big Joe Turner | Joseph Vernon Turner Jr. | Kansas City, MO | 1911-1985 | Jump blues | Singer |
| Ike Turner | Izear Luster Turner, Jr. | Clarksdale, MS | 1931-2007 | R&B, Memphis | Guitar, Vocals |
| Otha Turner | Othar Turner | Canton, MS | 1907-2003 | Hill country blues | Fife and Drum |
| V | Birth Name | Birthplace | Born-Died | Genres | Instruments |
| Eddie ‘Cleanhead’ Vinson | Edward L. Vinson Jr. | Houston, TX | 1917-1988 | R&B, Jump blues | Sax, Vocals |
| Walter Vinson | Walter Vinson | Bolton, MS | 1901-1975 | Memphis | Singer, Guitar |
| Dave Van Ronk | David Kenneth Ritz Van Ronk | New York, NY | 1936-2002 | Blues, Country | Singer, Guitar |
| W | Birth Name | Birthplace | Born-Died | Genres | Instruments |
| Johnny ‘Big Moose’ Walker | John Mayon Walker | Stoneville, MS | 1927-1999 | Chicago | Piano, Guitar, Bass, Vocals |
| T-Bone Walker | Aaron Thibeaux Walker | Linden, TX | 1910-1975 | Blues | Guitar, Vocals |
| Blind Willie Walker | Willie Walker | Greenville county, SC | 1896-1933 | Piedmont | Guitar, Vocals |
| Sippie Wallace | Beulah Belle Thomas | Plum Bayou, AR | 1898-1986 | Blues | Singer |
| Little Walter | Marion Walter Jacobs | Marksville, LA | 1930-1968 | Blues, Chicago, R&B | Harp, Singer |
| Mercy Dee Walton | Mercy Davis Walton | Waco, TX | 1915-1962 | Jump blues | Piano, vocals |
| Washboard Sam | Robert Clifford Brown | Walnut Ridge, AR | 1910-1966 | Blues | Vocals, Washboard |
| Washboard Willie | William Paden Hensley | Bullock County, AL | 1909-1991 | Detroit | Singer, Washboard |
| Dinah Washington | Ruth Lee Jones | Tuscaloosa, AL | 1924-1963 | Blues, R&B | Singer, Piano |
| Ethel Waters | Ethel Waters | Chester, PA | 1896-1977 | Blues | Singer |
| Muddy Waters | McKinley Morganfield | Issaquena County, MS | 1915-1983 | Blues, Chicago, Delta | Guitar, Vocals |
| Johnny ‘Guitar’ Watson | John Watson Jr. | Houston, TX | 1935-1996 | Blues | Guitar, Vocals |
| Curley Weaver | Curley James Weaver | Covington, GA | 1906-1962 | Blues | Guitar, Vocals |
| Sylvester Weaver | Sylvester Weaver | Louisville, KY | 1897-1960 | Blues, Country | Guitar, Vocals |
| Boogie Bill’ Webb | William Webb | Jackson, MS | 1924-1990 | Louisiana, R&B, Country | Guitar, Singer |
| Junior Wells | Amos Wells Blakemore Jr. | West Memphis, AR | 1934-1998 | Chicago | Harp, Vocals |
| Peetie Wheatstraw | William Bunch | Ripley, TN | 1902-1941 | St. Louis | Piano, Vocals |
| Bukka White | Booker T. Washington White | Aberdeen, MS | 1909?-1977 | Delta, Country | Guitar, Vocals |
| Josh White | Joshua Daniel White | Greenville, SC | 1914-1969 | Piedmont, Country | Guitar, Vocals |
| Joe Willie Wilkins | Joe Willie Wilkins | Davenport, MS | 1923?-1979 | Memphis | Guitar, Singer |
| Big Joe Williams | Joseph Lee Williams | Oktibbeha County, MS | 1903-1982 | Delta | Guitar, Vocals |
| Paul ‘Hucklebuck’ Williams | Paul Williams | Lewisburg, TN | 1915-2002 | R&B, Jump blues | Sax |
| Robert Pete Williams | Robert Pete Williams | Zachary, LA | 1914-1980 | Louisiana | Guitar, Vocals |
| Sonny Boy Williamson I | ohn Lee Curtis Williamson | Madison County, TN | 1914-1948 | Blues | Harp, Vocals |
| Sonny Boy Williamson II | Alex or Aleck Miller | Tallahatchie County, MS | 1912-1965 | Blues | Harp, Vocals |
| Weepin’ Willie | William Lorenzo Robinson | Atlanta, GA | 1926-2007 | Blues | Singer |
| Edith Wilson | Edith Goodall | Louisville, KY | 1896-1981 | Blues | Singer |
| Hop Wilson | Harding Wilson | Grapeland, TX | 1921-1975 | Texas | Guitar, Vocals |
| Smokey Wilson | Robert Lee Wilson | Glen Allen, MS | 1936-2015 | West Coast | Guitar, Singer |
| Rev. Robert Wilkins | Robert Timothy Wilkins | Hernando, MS | 1896-1987 | Country | Guitar, Singer |
| Joe Willie Wilkins | Joe Willie Wilkins | Davenport, MS | 1923?-1979 | Memphis | Guitar, Singer |
| Jimmy Witherspoon | James Witherspoon | Gurdon, AR | 1920-1997 | Blues, Jump blues | Singer |
| Howlin’ Wolf | Chester Arthur Burnett | White Station, MS | 1910-1976 | Chicago | Harp, Singer |
| Big John Wrencher | John Thomas Wrencher | Sunflower, MS | 1923-1977 | Blues | Harp, Vocals |
| Billy Wright | William Wright | Atlanta, GA | 1932?-1991 | Jump blues, R&B | Singer |
| Y | Birth Name | Birthplace | Born-Died | Genres | Instruments |
| Mighty Joe Young | Joseph Young Jr. | Shreveport, LA | 1927-1999 | Chicago | Singer, Guitar |
| Johnny Young | Johnny Young | Vicksburg, MS | 1918-1974 | Blues | Guitar, Singer |