If you’re a fan of the blues, then you know that Memphis is the place to be. With its rich history and vibrant music scene, there’s no shortage of great blues tunes to be found in the city. Here are 10 of the best Memphis blues songs of all time.
Table of Contents
“The Very Best of Memphis Blues” by Various Artists
The Memphis Blues is a compilation album of some of the best Memphis blues recordings. It features Muddy Waters, B.B. King, Junior Parker, and many other greats of the genre. The tracks on this album are taken from the early to mid 1950s, when the Memphis sound was at its peak. The album is a great introduction to the Memphis blues for those who are not familiar with it, and even for those who are, it is a great collection of classic tracks.
“Blues Before Sunrise” by Leroy Carr
If you’re a fan of the classic country blues sound, then you’ll definitely want to check out “Blues Before Sunrise” by Leroy Carr. This album features some of Carr’s best-known songs, including the title track, “How Long, How Long Blues”, and “In the Evening”. The musicianship is top-notch, and Carr’s voice is as smooth and soulful as ever. If you’re looking for a relaxing album to help you unwind after a long day, this is it.
“I Can’t Be Satisfied: The Best of Muddy Waters” by Muddy Waters
Muddy Waters is one of the most important figures in the history of blues music, and this collection brings together some of his best work. “I Can’t Be Satisfied” is a classic Waters song, and it’s included here along with other great tracks like “Hoochie Coochie Man,” “I’m Ready,” and “Got My Mojo Working.” If you’re a fan of the blues, or just want to check out some of the best work by one of its most important figures, this collection is essential listening.
“The Complete Stax/Volt Soul Singles, Vol. 1: 1968-1971” by Various Artists
If you’re a fan of classic southern soul, then this collection is an absolute must-have. The Stax/Volt singles released between 1968 and 1971 are some of the most essential recordings in the genre, and this 4-disc set features every single one of them.
There are so many incredible tracks on this set, it’s hard to know where to begin. “I’ll Take You There” by the Staple Singles is a timeless classic, while “Theme from Shaft” by Isaac Hayes is simply one of the coolest tracks ever recorded. Other highlights include “Do The Funky Chicken” by Rufus Thomas, “Respect Yourself” by the Staple Singles, “Soul Man” by Sam & Dave, and “In The Ghetto” by Elvis Presley.
The sound quality on this set is excellent, and the liner notes are very informative. If you’re a fan of classic southern soul music, then this is a must-have collection.
“The Anthology: 1947-1972” by Howlin’ Wolf
The Howlin’ Wolf Anthology: 1947-1972 is a great collection of one of the most influential blues artists of all time. Howlin’ Wolf was a true original, with a voice and style that was unmatched in the world of blues. This anthology features some of his best work from the years 1947 to 1972, including classic tracks like “Smokestack Lightning,” “Spoonful,” and “Killing Floor.” If you’re a fan of the blues, or just want to check out one of the genre’s most important artists, this anthology is essential listening.
“The Definitive Collection” by B.B. King
The Definitive Collection by B.B. King is one of the best blues albums I have ever heard. It contains all of his classic songs like “The Thrill Is Gone”, “Sweet Little Angel”, and “How Blue Can You Get?”. It also has some great live versions of “Rock Me Baby” and “Ain’t Nobody Home”. The guitar playing and singing on this album are both top-notch. If you are a fan of the blues, or just want to check out one of the greatest guitarists of all time, then this is the album for you.
“The Complete Chess Masters (1950-1967)” by Willie Dixon
Willie Dixon’s The Complete Chess Masters (1950-1967) is a fascinating and well-researched history of the legendary Chicago blues label. Dixon, a former A&R man for Chess, was in a unique position to write this book, and he doesn’t disappoint. He chronicles the rise of the label from its humble beginnings as a mom-and-pop operation run out of a South Side apartment to its eventual status as one of the most important record labels in the world.
Dixon profiles the label’s biggest stars, including Muddy Waters, Howlin’ Wolf, Chuck Berry, Bo Diddley, and Etta James. He also sheds light on some of the lesser-known figures who played important roles in the Chess story, such as studio owner Leonard Chess and producer Willie Dixon. The book is packed with photos, many of them previously unpublished, and includes a wealth of information about the recordings that made Chess famous.
The Complete Chess Masters is essential reading for any fan of the blues or anyone interested in the history of popular music. Willie Dixon was there when it all happened, and he tells the story better than anyone else could. This is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of rock and roll.
“Hoodoo Man Blues” by Junior Wells
The Hoodoo Man Blues by Junior Wells is a great album. It has a lot of energy and the songs are catchy. The musicianship is excellent and the production is top notch. I highly recommend this album to any fan of the blues.
“The Best of John Lee Hooker” by John Lee Hooker
John Lee Hooker’s The Best of John Lee Hooker is a collection of some of the best work by one of the most important figures in the history of blues music. The album features Hooker’s signature style of guitar playing and singing, which helped to define the sound of the blues genre. The tracks on The Best of John Lee Hooker are taken from throughout Hooker’s career, and showcase his evolution as an artist. The album is a must-have for any fan of the blues, and is sure to please fans of John Lee Hooker’s work.
“Born Under a Bad Sign” by Albert King
If you’re a fan of the blues, then you need to check out Born Under a Bad Sign by Albert King. This album is packed with some of the best blues songs ever recorded. From the title track to “Crosscut Saw” and “As the Years Go Passing By”, each song is dripping with soul and emotion. King’s guitar playing is masterful, and his voice is full of pain and passion. This is an essential blues album that any fan should own.