I looked at this and thought, ah, it will be easy to drop three or four names--but it isn't that simple---the reason is that there are different styles from different times and places, and, depending on which you like, different people are important--

For me, Blind Lemon Jefferson, Charlie Patton, Son House, Lonnie Johnson, Robert Johnson,T-Bone Walker, Howlin Wolf, Muddy Waters, Sonny Boy Williamson, John Lee Hooker, Jimmy Reed would probably be the ones I'd mention as being really important--but lately, I've been listening to Memphis Minnie, Bobby "Blue" Bland, Jackie Brenston/Ike Turner and the Rhythm Kings, Amos Milburn--there is so much good stuff, you would be overwhelmed by any list anyone comes up with--and I generally like the old, older, and oldest stuff--


What I would do, if I were you, would be to find an online blues station, and just listen and make note of the people you like--and not just one station, because no one showcases all the stuff that is out there--

And don't be in a hurry--