The Most Popular Classic Blues Singers
Classic blues is a genre that has deeply influenced the course of popular music, with iconic singers and musicians leaving indelible marks on the history of blues and its evolution. In this article, we will explore the contributions of key figures in classic blues, focusing on three vital artists: Robert Johnson, Muddy Waters, and B.B. King. Each of these musicians played a significant role in shaping the sound and legacy of classic blues.
The Pre-War Acoustic Blues: Robert Johnson
Before the transition from acoustic to electric blues, Robert Johnson stands out as one of the most influential figures. Despite his short life—lasting only 27 years—and the scarcity of his recordings, his impact remains unparalleled. Johnson lived and sang the blues he talked about, with compositions that were both original and profound. Many of his successors, including several notable British blues artists, highly regarded his work. His influence extended beyond just style, embodying the essence of the blues in a way that few others have.
The Chicago Blues: Muddy Waters and Howling Wolf
As the blues evolved into an electric sound, Chicago became the epicenter of this new genre. Two of the most prominent figures in this transition were Muddy Waters and Howling Wolf. These musicians were not only central to the sound but also influential in the development of rock and roll. Muddy Waters, born McKinley Morganfield, achieved fame for his powerful vocals and guitar skills. On the other hand, Howling Wolf, real name Chester Arthur Burnett, was known for his intense, raw performances. Despite their different styles, both musicians left an enduring legacy on the blues and beyond.
B.B. King: A Global Icon of the Blues
While Muddy Waters and Howling Wolf were pivotal in the Chicago era, B.B. King, born Riley B. King, made his mark on a global scale. His influence is vast, and his musicianship has defined the sound of the blues for more than half a century. Born on a plantation in Itta Bena, Mississippi, in 1925, King began his musical journey playing at street corners and in multiple towns each night in his youth. He later moved to Memphis, Tennessee, where he pursued his career, supported by a vibrant musical community.
B.B. King's guitar style is uniquely identifiable, drawing influences from Blind Lemon Jefferson, T-Bone Walker, and others. He is known for his precise and complex vocal-like string bends and his innovative left-hand vibrato, which have become essential elements in rock guitar playing. Over the years, his rhythmic phrasing and economy of notes have inspired countless musicians, including Eric Clapton and George Harrison. B.B. King's unique sound, incorporating traditional blues, jazz, swing, mainstream pop, and jump blues, has made him one of the most influential blues musicians of all time.
His nickname, "The King of the Blues," highlights his esteemed reputation. B.B. King was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987, cementing his place among the most influential artists in the genre. His legacy extends beyond his own repertoire, as other notable blues musicians, such as Albert King and Freddie King, bore influence directly from him. B.B. King passed away on April 14, 2015, at the age of 89, leaving a rich cultural legacy that continues to inspire new generations of musicians.