Born from the tradition of African spirituals and influenced by American folk and country music, the blues is a genre of musical storytellers. First recorded in the 1900s, the blues were played by a soulful lot of acoustic musicians that handed down their songs to pioneering bluesmen such as Muddy Waters, John Lee Hooker, B.B. King and Buddy Guy, among many others. Browse through the legendary artists who changed music history singing the blues.
Tina Turner’s oldest son, Craig Raymond Turner, has died at 59 of an apparently self-inflicted gunshot wound, says the Los Angeles coroner. Craig was born to Tina and then-boyfriend, saxophonist Raymond Hill, and was later adopted by Tina’s abusive husband Ike.
Quincy Jones is best known as a composer and record producer for legendary musicians such as Frank Sinatra, Michael Jackson, Celene Dion and Aretha Franklin.
Jazz and blues vocalist Bessie Smith's powerful, soulful voice won her countless fans and earned her the title "Empress of the Blues."
Chuck Berry was one of the most influential rock 'n' roll performers in music history. He's known for songs including "Maybellene" and "Johnny B. Goode."
The National Trust for Historic Preservation named Nina Simone’s childhood home a national treasure; it was saved from demolition in 2016. The singer and Civil Rights activist experienced major mental health & financial issues before dying in France in 2003.
Stevie Wonder is an American musician and a former child prodigy who became one of the most creative musical figures of the late 20th century. His multi-generational hit songs include "My Cherie Amour," "You Are the Sunshine of My Life," "Superstition," "Living in the City," "Boogie on Reggae Woman," "Sir Duke," "That Girl" and "Part-Time Lover."
Ray Charles was a pioneer of soul music, integrating R&B, gospel, pop and country to create hits like "Unchain My Heart," "Hit the Road Jack" and "Georgia on My Mind." A blind genius, he is considered one of the greatest artists of all time.
Guitarist and singer-songwriter Eric Clapton's 1992 single "Tears in Heaven" became a top five hit. The song was a heartfelt tribute about the death of his son.
American singer and pianist Fats Domino was a rhythm-and-blues star who became one of the first rock-and-roll stars and who helped define the New Orleans sound.
Singer Janis Joplin rose to fame in the late 1960s and was known for her powerful, blues-inspired vocals. She died of an accidental drug overdose in 1970.
Known for his flamboyant performances, Little Richard's hit songs from the mid-1950s were defining moments in the development of rock ‘n’ roll.
W.C. Handy was an African-American composer and a leader in popularizing blues music in the early 20th century, with hits like "Memphis Blues" and "St. Louis Blues."
Patti LaBelle is an African-American singer and actress who has been called the Godmother of Soul. She is best known for her array of hits that include "If Only You Knew," "On My Own," "New Attitude" and "Stir It Up."
Blind Lemon Jefferson was best known for his singing and song writing as a blues guitarist.
Charlie Parker was a legendary Grammy Award–winning jazz saxophonist who, with Dizzy Gillespie, invented the musical style called bop or bebop.
Linda Martell is a country/blues singer and the first African-American woman to appear on the Grand Ole Opry.
DeFord Bailey was a mesmerizing harmonica player known as one of country music's first African-American icons and linked to the naming of the Grand Ole Opry.
Patty Griffin is a Grammy Award-winning folk/country artist known for the albums Downtown Church and American Kid as well as songs like "Long Ride Home."
James Booker was an African-American musician known for his unique fusion of jazz and rhythm-and-blues, and for songs like "The Sunny Side of the Street," "A Taste of Honey" and "Papa Was a Rascal."
Son of famed music producer John H. Hammond, John P. Hammond is a Grammy-winning American blues singer and guitarist. He was inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame in 2011.