I haven't posted in about 6 months..but the fact that no one has mentioned Rev. Gary Davis has compelled me to add him. RGD was not only a great player in his own right, he personally taught a lot of the guys who keep the Country Blues/Fingerpicking tradition alive.

I'll also add: Son House Blind Willie McTell Big Bill Broonzy Muddy Waters (and Otis Spann and Jimmy Rogers from his band) ...I'm sure I'm leaving out other guys.