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The Roots of Paul McCartney

The Roots of Paul McCartney

Various Artists

£4.99

CD Album

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Broken

Broken

Walter Trout

£44.99

Vinyl 12" Album

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Lead Belly's Gold

Lead Belly's Gold

Eric Bibb/J.J. Milteau

£13.99

CD Album

Sold out

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I Love Freddie King

I Love Freddie King

Popa Chubby and Friends

£14.99

CD Album

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The Best of Friends

The Best of Friends

John Lee Hooker

£9.99

CD Album

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Ear Worms

Ear Worms

The Duke Robillard Band

£14.99

CD Album

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Wreckage Vol. 1

Wreckage Vol. 1

Robert Jon & The Wreck

£14.99

CD Album

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1928 Sessions

1928 Sessions

Mississippi John Hurt

£37.99

Vinyl 12" Album

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Dear America

Dear America

Eric Bibb

£11.99

CD Album

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Cut Against the Grain

Cut Against the Grain

Aaron Keylock

£11.99

Vinyl 12" Album

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Almost Exactly

Almost Exactly

The Cinelli Brothers

£31.99

Vinyl 12" Album

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Heavy On the Blues

Heavy On the Blues

Rory Block

£17.99

CD Album

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Circle of Mud

Circle of Mud

Circle of Mud

£29.99

Vinyl 12" Album

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Strike Like Lightning

Strike Like Lightning

Lonnie Mack

£31.99

Vinyl 12" Album

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Kulanjan

Kulanjan

Taj Mahal/Toumani Diabate

£34.99

Vinyl 12" Album

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Muddy, Brass and the Blues

Muddy, Brass and the Blues

Muddy Waters

£40.99

Vinyl 12" Album

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The Best of Charlie Patton

The Best of Charlie Patton

Charlie Patton

£37.99

Vinyl 12" Album

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4801 South Indiana Avenue

4801 South Indiana Avenue

Joanna Connor

£12.99

CD Album

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100 Years of Blues

100 Years of Blues

Elvin Bishop & Charlie Musselwhite

£29.99

Vinyl 12" Album

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The origins of blues music

Blues music is deeply entwined with the history and culture of African Americans in the United States' South. There are three key components to its roots: work songs sung by enslaved people working on the plantations, the religious spirituals of church, and African rhythms.
Many of the first blues artists emerged in the church, where music played a pivotal role in both worship and daily life. Black gospel music became a formative influence on the blues, with expression and resilience being key pillars of the two genres. Artists like Mahalia Jackson, with her powerful voice and emotional depth, helped shape the sound of gospel, which in turn influenced early blues musicians.
When artists like Robert Johnson and Charley Patton transitioned from church to the stage, they captured the pain and beauty of life by combining the emotion of gospel with the storytelling of traditional African American music.

Key blues artists and influential figures

Robert Johnson

The influence of "the King of the Delta Blues" is immeasurable. Haunting guitar playing and an ability to tell stories of sorrow and hardship were hallmarks of his 1930s recordings. His music continues to inspire artists across multiple genres.

Bessie Smith

Often referred to as "the Empress of the Blues", Smith’s powerful voice and emotive performances redefined vocal expression in the blues. Her work in the 1920s and 30s set the standard for female blues artists and brought the genre to a wider audience.

Chicago Blues

By the middle of the 20th century, Muddy Waters, Howlin' Wolf and Willie Dixon took the blues from its rural origins to the urban landscape of Chicago. The addition of electric guitars and harmonicas advanced the sound and shaped the direction of the genre for the modern era.

The evolution of the blues

The influence of blues music is far-reaching, shaping genres from rock and hip-hop to country and pop. Artists including The Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin and Eric Clapton built their careers on its foundational sounds.
The genre continues to thrive, with modern artists such as Jack White and Gary Clark Jr. bringing fresh energy while staying true to the emotional depth. Seasick Steve, with his gritty slide guitar and minimalist style, bridges the gap between traditional blues music and contemporary albums, offering a raw and authentic take that speaks to both old and new generations of listeners.

The best blues music albums and must-have recordings

With so many timeless blues music albums, it's hard to whittle it down. However, here is a selection that best captures the essence of the genre:
  • Robert Johnson – The Complete Recordings: Considered one of the most important collections of songs in blues history.
  • B.B. King – Live at the Regal: Hear unmatched guitar skills and charisma that epitomise the energy of live blues performances.
  • Muddy Waters – Hard Again: This 1977 return combined the Chicago blues sound with a fresh energy.
  • Etta James – At Last!: Beyond the unforgettable title track, James blends blues, soul and gospel into a sensational mix.
  • Seasick Steve - I Started Out With Nothin and I Still Got Most of it Left: A modern classic that brings a raw and stripped-back blues sound with a contemporary twist.

Why choose hmv for blues music?

  • We've been in the music business for over 100 years, so you can trust us to supply you with only the best blues and black gospel albums.
  • Our top-tier products and service have seen us earn an 'Excellent' rating on independent review platform Trustpilot.
  • ​With Klarna, you can split the cost into three interest-free instalments or pay later in 30 days. Borrowing more than you can afford or paying late may negatively impact your financial status and ability to obtain credit. 18+, UK residents only. Subject to status. T&Cs and late fees apply.
  • If you're unhappy with your products for any reason, we have a 30-day returns policy.
Order blues music albums today
Find a legendary record to try something new by browsing our extensive collection of blues music albums. If you need any help, you can get in touch with our team or head down to your nearest hmv store. Alternatively, see if your question is answered in our help centre.
 

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