Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

Since I do a lot of reading on the blues, I keep coming across the same influences. I'll start and you can help out with more!

Albert Collins- on most lists(lead style)
Elmore James - slide?
Lonnie Johnson - first single note lead player
Bo Diddley - Da beat!
Jean "Django" Reinhardt - BB King cites him, I don't know much about him.
Muddy Waters - Electricity!!!
T-Bone Walker - Jazz chords/sliding chords
BB King - the "trill", and sing it, then play it.
Freddie King 0 thumb and finger pick

These guys had older influences such as Son House, Charlie Patton, Jimmie Rodgers,Robert Johnson.

I don't really want to expand into rock influences, just the old blues players.

Interesting that Jimmie Rodgers gets a metion. And he should, too. I thought about mentioning him in another thread about contemporary writers writing new blues. He has been a tremendous influence on me.

JimK

Add Chester Arthur Burnett aka "Howlin Wolf" to the list. He was one of the greatest early electric blues guitar players and also harmonica player extraordinaire. His classic approach to playing the blues can be heard on songs such as "Smokestack Lightnin'," "Back Door Man" and "Spoonful". All have become standards to achieve.

Yeah, man, Howlin' Wolf would top my list, and Muddy.

Also add William James "Willie" Dixon. He was a blues bass player, singer, songwriter, arranger and record producer.

His songs, including "Little Red Rooster", "Hoochie Coochie Man", "Evil", "Spoonful", "Back Door Man", "I Just Want to Make Love to You", "I Ain't Superstitious", "My Babe", "Wang Dang Doodle", and "Bring It on Home". His songs were performed by Muddy Waters, Howlin' Wolf, and Little Walter.

He and Muddy Waters, were probably the most influential duo responsible for shaping the more contemporary sound of what is known as the Chicago blues.

I was just using guitar players, and Howlin Wolf was on the list, but all I couldn't think of what to say after the hyphen so I deleted! My bad!

Willie was left off because he was a bass player, but I agree...

There are also a lot of singers....

Django Reinhardt isn't very bluesy ("gypsy jazz"), but someone that EVERY guitar player needs to listen to. He's one of the greatest, ever.

I have always admired the tone and style of Dave Ball from Birmingham.

Here is a good example starting at the 30 second mark until about 3:15.

sloop_john_b wrote:Django Reinhardt isn't very bluesy ("gypsy jazz"), but someone that EVERY guitar player needs to listen to. He's one of the greatest, ever.

+1!!!

Short clip, but it's pretty!
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Jimmy Reed is another we should add. He came up with some kick butt Louisiana blues (Shame, Shame, Shame).

Here's a pic of one of the greats.

John Lee Hooker

Not what one might describe as a blues artist, but still a blues influence for me.

Hank Sr.

To some of us, he's the only Hank Williams. My songwriting hero.

JimK

Add Theodore Roosevelt "Hound Dog" Taylor (1915-1975) to the list. Peace, out.....Goofyfoot.