Janis Joplin- She was a true blues soul-singer in the mode of Bessie Smith, and gave women legitimacy as the central focus of a blues band.

Freddie King- Guitarist/singer with a great feel for Chicago-style electric blues overlaid with rock sensibilities.

Peter Green- The former Fleetwood Mac singer and guitarist had some of the most fluid blues runs, coupled with biting hooks.

Paul Butterfield- What a blues harp man! What a group with Elvin Bishop and Mike Bloomfield! They brought true Chicago-style to the rock listener without compromising their art.

John Mayall- The entire Blues Revival owes much to John, whose tight blues combos featured future guitar heroes like Pete Green, Eric Clapton and Jimmy Page.

Robert Cray- Smooth and mellow bluesman who owes a big debt to BB.

Johnny Lang- So what if he got his start on the Disney Channel? He's got a great vocal and guitar style.

Susan Tedeschi- Some of Janis, some of Bonnie, a little Stevie Ray. Hope for the future.