This thread might well kick off another - "what qualifies as blues" discussion (which would be neat, though probably already been done? - pardon a newcomer).

Bessie Smith would have to be included in a "greatest" list - I'd nominate "standin in the rain" though "Kitchen Man" is much better known. Big Bill Broonzy's version of "Alberta" is dynamite. While RJ's "Kitchen" is certainly outstanding (ever hear Delaney & Bonnie's version from the 70s "Motel Shot" album?)what about "Crossroads Blues" "Hellhound on my Trail" "Phonograph Blues" -- uh oh: it would be way too easy to just run down the list of Robert Johnson's stuff & include it all (which wouldn't be a bad idea).

Shula - "uptempo blues" is surely not an oxymoron but an entire genre. see Rev Gary Davis, BB King, Bonnie Raitt, Clapton and tons of others right up through Stevie Ray Vaughan.

Mississippi John Hurt's "Coffee Blues" has to be one of the greats too.