Biggest Stars

Eric Clapton
Eric Clapton
GBRBlues Rock

Eric Clapton

GBRBluesBlues Rock
Sam Cooke
Sam Cooke
USAChristian Music

Sam Cooke

USAReligiousChristian Music
Ella Fitzgerald
Ella Fitzgerald
USAClassic Blues

Ella Fitzgerald

USABluesClassic Blues
Mohamed Mounir
Mohamed Mounir
EGYArabic Pop

Mohamed Mounir

EGYPopArabic Pop
B.B. King
B.B. King
USAClassic Blues

B.B. King

USABluesClassic Blues
John Lee Hooker
John Lee Hooker
USAClassic Blues

John Lee Hooker

USABluesClassic Blues
Muddy Waters
Muddy Waters
USAClassic Blues

Muddy Waters

USABluesClassic Blues
Buddy Guy
Buddy Guy
USAClassic Blues

Buddy Guy

USABluesClassic Blues
Fats Domino
Fats Domino
USAClassic Blues

Fats Domino

USABluesClassic Blues
Albert King
Albert King
USAClassic Blues

Albert King

USABluesClassic Blues
Jools Holland
Jools Holland
GBRJazz Fusion

Jools Holland

GBRJazzJazz Fusion
Luther Allison
Luther Allison
USAClassic Blues

Luther Allison

USABluesClassic Blues
Robert Johnson
Robert Johnson
USAClassic Blues

Robert Johnson

USABluesClassic Blues
The Coasters
The Coasters
USAClassic Blues

The Coasters

USABluesClassic Blues
Bo Diddley
Bo Diddley
CANClassic Blues

Bo Diddley

CANBluesClassic Blues
Taj Mahal
Taj Mahal
USAClassic Blues

Taj Mahal

USABluesClassic Blues
THE BAND FEEL
THE BAND FEEL
USAClassic Blues

THE BAND FEEL

USABluesClassic Blues
Cannonball Adderley
Cannonball Adderley
USABebop

Cannonball Adderley

USAJazzBebop
Freddie King
Freddie King
USAClassic Blues

Freddie King

USABluesClassic Blues
Bobby "Blue" Bland
Bobby "Blue" Bland
USAClassic Blues

Bobby "Blue" Bland

USABluesClassic Blues
Viberate Analytics

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Top Artists by Radio Spins Last month

Ella Fitzgerald
Ella Fitzgerald
USAClassic Blues

Ella Fitzgerald

USABluesClassic Blues
26.9K radio spins
Fats Domino
Fats Domino
USAClassic Blues

Fats Domino

USABluesClassic Blues
19.3K radio spins
B.B. King
B.B. King
USAClassic Blues

B.B. King

USABluesClassic Blues
18.2K radio spins
John Lee Hooker
John Lee Hooker
USAClassic Blues

John Lee Hooker

USABluesClassic Blues
12.4K radio spins
Buddy Guy
Buddy Guy
USAClassic Blues

Buddy Guy

USABluesClassic Blues
9.6K radio spins

Most Streamed Spotify Tracks

Past Month
1
Yakety Yak
Yakety Yak
134.9K streams
2
Crop Circles
Crop Circles
129.5K streams
3
Down in Mexico
Down in Mexico
84.8K streams
4
Leaving Trunk
Leaving Trunk
72.6K streams
5
Damn Right, I've Got the Blues
Damn Right, I've Got the Blues
70.1K streams
6
Lovin' in My Baby's Eyes
Lovin' in My Baby's Eyes
64.1K streams
7
Statesboro Blues
Statesboro Blues
54.6K streams
8
Mustang Sally
Mustang Sally
43.9K streams
9
The Love Me Or Die
The Love Me Or Die
39.5K streams
10
Corinna - From The Natch'l Blues
Corinna - From The Natch'l Blues
39.4K streams
1

Yakety Yak

2

Crop Circles

3

Down in Mexico

4

Leaving Trunk

5

Damn Right, I've Got the Blues

6

Lovin' in My Baby's Eyes

7

Statesboro Blues

8

Mustang Sally

9

The Love Me Or Die

10

Corinna - From The Natch'l Blues

Top Spotify Playlists

Blues Origins
Blues Origins
Spotify
738.5K followers
The Birth of Rhythm & Blues
The Birth of Rhythm & Blues
Spotify
312.4K followers
This Is B.B. King
This Is B.B. King
Spotify
202.6K followers
Crossroad Blues
Crossroad Blues
Spotify
179.8K followers
Scratchy Back Porch Blues
Scratchy Back Porch Blues
Spotify
133.1K followers
Chicago Blues
Chicago Blues
Spotify
132.6K followers

Subgenre Popularity

Music stats for top 3,000 artists last month

Top Countries

    Top Cities

      • 769
      • 94.5M
      • N/A
      • 247.5K
      769
      Classic Blues artists
      Spotify
      94.5M
      Streams on Spotify
      YouTube
      0
      Views on YouTube
      Radio Airplay
      247.5K
      Radio spins
      Viberate for Artists

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      Questions? We have answers

      Overview of Classic Blues music

      Classic Blues music emerged in the late 19th and early 20th century in the African American communities of the Southern United States. It developed from a fusion of African musical traditions, rural folk music, and early American popular music.

      The genre was characterized by its distinctive vocal style, featuring expressive, soulful singing accompanied by simple, repetitive guitar or piano patterns. Classic Blues music was often performed in juke joints, house parties, and on street corners, and it became a cornerstone of African American culture.

      Its lyrics often addressed themes of love, heartbreak, and social inequality, reflecting the experiences and struggles of the Black community. Classic Blues music laid the foundation for many other genres of popular music, including jazz, rock and roll, and R&B. Its enduring legacy continues to be celebrated through festivals, recordings, and live performances around the world.

      Which musicians and bands defined Classic Blues music?

      These artists played a crucial role in popularizing and defining the genre. Let's explore some key figures who made significant contributions to Classic Blues.

      Ma Rainey: Known as the "Mother of the Blues," Ma Rainey was a pioneering blues singer and one of the first African-American women to record blues songs. Her powerful voice and commanding stage presence set the stage for future blues performers.

      Bessie Smith: Bessie Smith, often referred to as the "Empress of the Blues," was one of the most popular and influential blues singers of the 1920s. Her rich, emotive voice and expressive style defined the essence of Classic Blues.

      Robert Johnson: Robert Johnson is an iconic figure in the history of the blues. His distinctive guitar playing and haunting lyrics influenced generations of blues musicians and shaped the development of the genre.

      Muddy Waters: Muddy Waters was a pivotal figure in the transition from acoustic to electric blues. His raw, powerful vocals and electric guitar work brought a new energy and intensity to Classic Blues, laying the foundation for the Chicago Blues sound.

      Howlin' Wolf: Known for his powerful voice and charismatic stage presence, Howlin' Wolf was one of the most influential blues artists of his time. His recordings, such as "Smokestack Lightning" and "Spoonful," are considered blues classics.

      B.B. King: B.B. King, often referred to as the "King of the Blues," was renowned for his soulful voice and expressive guitar playing. His smooth, melodic style helped bridge the gap between Classic Blues and modern blues.

      T-Bone Walker: T-Bone Walker was a pioneer of the electric blues guitar. His innovative playing and sophisticated style influenced countless musicians and helped shape the sound of Classic Blues in the 1940s and beyond.

      Etta James: Etta James, with her powerful voice and versatility, made a significant impact on Classic Blues. Her recordings, such as "At Last" and "I'd Rather Go Blind," showcased her soulful delivery and emotional depth.

      The musicians and bands who defined Classic Blues left an indelible mark on the genre. Their heartfelt performances and raw expressions continue to resonate with audiences, shaping the legacy of Classic Blues and inspiring future generations of musicians to carry the torch of this influential music tradition.

      Which songs and albums defined Classic Blues music?

      As we journey through the decades, we'll explore some of the best Classic Blues songs and albums that have become timeless representations of the genre's power and influence.

      1920s - The Emergence of Classic Blues:

      "Crazy Blues" (1920) by Mamie Smith: Considered one of the earliest recorded blues songs by an African-American artist, it was a significant milestone in popularizing Classic Blues.

      "St. Louis Blues" (1925) by Bessie Smith: Bessie Smith's rendition of this W.C. Handy composition became a timeless Classic Blues standard, showcasing her powerful vocals and storytelling abilities.

      1930s - Blues in Transition:

      "Gloomy Sunday" (1933) by Billie Holiday: While not strictly Classic Blues, Billie Holiday's rendition of this melancholic song captured the somber essence of the era and reflected the emotional depth of the genre.

      "Cross Road Blues" (1936) by Robert Johnson: This haunting song by Robert Johnson showcased his intricate guitar playing and soulful vocals, leaving an indelible mark on Classic Blues.

      1940s - Electric Blues and Urban Expansion:

      "Hoochie Coochie Man" (1954) by Muddy Waters: This iconic song, featuring Muddy Waters' electrifying vocals and slide guitar, epitomized the electrified Chicago Blues sound.

      "Stormy Monday" (1947) by T-Bone Walker: T-Bone Walker's sophisticated blend of blues and jazz influences on this song showcased his distinctive guitar style and smooth vocals.

      1950s - Blues Goes Mainstream:

      "At Last!" (1960) by Etta James: Etta James' powerful rendition of this song, released in 1961, exemplified her mastery of Classic Blues, capturing the hearts of listeners.

      "The Thrill Is Gone" (1969) by B.B. King: B.B. King's signature song, released in 1969, showcased his emotive guitar playing and soulful vocals, becoming a Classic Blues anthem.

      1960s to Present - Classic Blues Legacy:

      "I'd Rather Go Blind" (1968) by Etta James: Etta James' soul-stirring performance on this song, released in 1967, remains an enduring Classic Blues gem, displaying her immense talent.

      "Damn Right, I've Got the Blues" (1991) by Buddy Guy: Buddy Guy's Grammy-winning song, released in 1991, revitalized Classic Blues, showcasing his electrifying guitar skills and passionate vocals.

      These iconic songs and albums have shaped the rich tapestry of Classic Blues, highlighting the genre's enduring impact and influence.

      Which music festivals and events represent Classic Blues music?

      Classic Blues music genre is celebrated in various music festivals and events around the world. One of the most prestigious festivals is the Chicago Blues Festival, which has been held annually since 1984. This festival features local and international musicians and showcases the best of classic blues music.

      Another notable event is the Mississippi Delta Blues Festival, which takes place in Greenville, Mississippi. This festival celebrates the roots of blues music and features a lineup of talented musicians who bring traditional blues to life.

      The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival is another event that celebrates classic blues music. This festival takes place in New Orleans and features a diverse lineup of musicians, including those who play classic blues.

      Other notable events include the King Biscuit Blues Festival in Arkansas, the Blues Music Awards in Memphis, and the Waterfront Blues Festival in Portland, Oregon. These festivals bring together musicians and fans from around the world to celebrate the rich history and enduring legacy of classic blues music.