Almost forgot about:

Luther Kent

This is a contemporary blues artist, and a white guy, which differentiates him from most of the other luminaries mentioned here. Very solid guitar player and a terriific, strong vocalist.

He always has a great band, with a nice big horn section, and for many years provided one of the very few "authentic" and worthwhile listening experiences available amid the tourist traps of Bourbon Street.

He must be doing pretty well for himself these days ~ besides his own recordings, he provides the soundtrack for a lot TV spots, notably promotional stuff for the local tourist-and-convention commission ~ because he no longer seems to need the day-in-day-out hassle of playing those long hours in those seedy French Quarter bars.