Best Delta Blues
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This collection features previously unreleased acoustic recordings by Robert Johnson, a pivotal figure in delta blues music. Released in 1962 as Volume 2 of a series begun in 1961, it presents raw performances from the 1930s. These recordings offer valuable insight into Johnson’s unique style and ar...
Robert Johnson’s collection of recordings, released by Columbia Records in 1961, represents a vital link to the origins of American music. These acoustic performances capture the raw intensity and distinctive style of Delta blues pioneered by Johnson during the 1930s. The albums introduced his profo...
Charley Patton’s “Screamin’ and Hollerin’ the Blues” presents a foundational collection of his early recordings from the 1920s. These Paramount Records sessions are notable for documenting the emergence of delta blues music and showcasing Patton's unique vocal style – characterized by intense shouts...
Son House’s 1965 Columbia Records album showcases the foundational work of this influential Delta blues guitarist. Recorded following his resurgence in popularity during the folk revival, it presents raw and intensely emotional performances reflecting the core of American blues music. The album is p...
Charley Patton’s music represents a foundational pillar of American blues. This collection showcases his significant contributions to the delta blues genre during the 1920s. Patton's raw acoustic style and deeply rooted storytelling influenced generations of musicians. It is particularly valuable fo...
John Lee Hooker’s *Boogie Chillun* showcases a pivotal moment in blues history. Released in 1948, this album demonstrates Hooker's innovative approach blending traditional Delta blues with electric instrumentation. It established his signature “talking blues” style—a direct and conversational vocal...
Mississippi Fred McDowell’s “I Do Not Play No Rock ‘N’ Roll” showcases a pivotal moment in Delta blues history. Released in 1969, this Capitol Records album documents his shift towards electric instrumentation while retaining the core traditions of slide guitar and raw vocal performance. The collect...
Mississippi Fred McDowell’s 1960s recordings represent a vital link in the chain of Delta Blues tradition. These acoustic sessions showcase McDowell's distinctive bottleneck slide guitar playing and deeply rooted vocals, offering an authentic glimpse into rural Mississippi music. The album is signif...
Skip James’ “Devil Got My Woman” is a collection of recordings from the 1960s showcasing the unique delta blues style of this influential musician. Known for his distinctive vocal range and unconventional guitar techniques, James created haunting melodies that profoundly impacted subsequent generati...
Son House’s 1965 Columbia Records album represents a crucial moment in American music history. The collection showcases the raw power and distinctive style of this Delta blues giant, featuring his influential slide guitar techniques. Recorded after a period of obscurity, it brought House’s profound...
This album features recordings by Arthur "Big Boy" Crudup, a Delta blues singer and guitarist who recorded extensively for RCA Victor's Bluebird label in the 1940s. Crudup is best known for writing and originally recording the song "That's All Right." Elvis Presley famously covered this track for hi...
"Delta Bluesman" is an acoustic blues album by guitarist and singer David "Honeyboy" Edwards, released by Earwig Records in 1992. Born in Mississippi, Edwards was a key figure in the Delta blues tradition and traveled and performed with musician Robert Johnson in the 1930s. This late-career recordin...
"Sky Songs Vol. 1" is a compilation album collecting recordings by Booker T. Washington "Bukka" White, a Delta blues guitarist and vocalist. White was known for his driving slide guitar technique, often played on a National steel resonator guitar, and his rhythmic vocal style. Originally recorded in...
Today! is a 1966 album by American blues singer, guitarist, and pianist Skip James, released by Vanguard Records after his rediscovery during the folk and blues revival. The recordings revisit material associated with his earlier career while documenting his unusually high, plaintive voice and intri...
Released in 1971, this collaborative American album pairs blues musician John Lee Hooker with rock band Canned Heat, exposing his traditional style to a mainstream rock audience.
Mississippi Delta blues guitarist Big Joe Williams, known for playing a homemade nine-string guitar, captures his raw, unadorned country blues style on this album.
Released in 1989, this Grammy-winning American album pairs blues musician John Lee Hooker with rock stars, successfully revitalizing his commercial career late in his life.
Released in 1959 by Chess Records, this American compilation album collects several influential 1950s singles by pioneering electric blues guitarist and singer John Lee Hooker.
Watermelon Slim (Bill Homans), an American blues harmonica player and slide guitarist, recorded this album blending Delta blues with country and rock elements.
Released in 1963, this American album compiles tracks recorded by blues guitarist John Lee Hooker a decade earlier, highlighting his deeply rhythmic solo electric blues style.
Released in 1991, this American album continues the late-career revival of blues musician John Lee Hooker by featuring notable collaborations with celebrated rock guest artists.
