The Top 10 Blues Musicians of All Time

10. Ray Charles - One of the most recognizable names in entertainment, Ray Charles' success was unparalleled. His version of "Georgia on my Mind" is instantly recognizable, he appeared in various movies, such as Blue Brothers, and even had a movie made about his life entitled Ray. While his life was plagued with addiction, blindness, and personal problems, his music stands the test of time. Unfortunately for this list, he was a prolific country and pop artist as well as a blues musician, and his blues songs do not compare with many other artists in this genre, landing Ray Charles the #10 spot.

9. Stevie Ray Vaughan - Considered by some to be one of the best guitarists in the world, Stevie Ray Vaughan was virtually an overnight success after his album Texas Flood was released. While playing in places such as Carnegie Hall, Vaughan's personal life was one of drug and alcohol abuse. He released many albums and managed to get sober until his unfortunate death in a helicopter crash in 1990.

8. Billie Holiday - While some may consider her a jazz artist, there is no doubt that Billy Holiday was a prolific blues artist as well. She sang such eerily beautiful songs as Gloomy Sunday, Strange Fruit, and Solitude. She had a very distinct voice and her songs have been covered by many admirers. She unfortunately died young and penniless and, as with several musicians on this list, plagued by a drug habit.

7. John Lee Hooker - With a unique voice and a distinct musical style, John Lee Hooker rose to prominence with such famous songs as Boogie Chillin and Boom, Boom. He appeared in Blues Brothers alongside John Belushi. He won a Grammy and released many albums before dying at the age of 83 in 2001.

6. While Leadbelly many not be listened to as much these days, he leaves behind a remarkable musical legacy. Famous songs such as House of the Rising Sun and Where Did You Sleep Last Night are his creations. He's been covered by many artists such as Led Zeppelin, Nirvana, The Animals, The Doors, and many recognizable others.

5. Robert Johnson - Famous perhaps for the legend associated with his musical skill as much for the music itself, Robert Johnson has influenced countless musicians and some believe him to be one of the greatest blues singers ever. It is said that he sold his soul to the devil for the ability to play the greatest blues anyone's ever heard. That may very well be true, as he died at the young age of 27.

4.Eric Clapton - While he may not be the greatest among the greats in this genre, he must be included in this list, even though many of those under him have been direct influences. The reason is simply because from among the blues musicians, Eric Clapton has managed to obtain mass appeal even among non-blues lovers, while maintaining a distinctly blues sound. While some may consider him a rock artist from his Cream days, there is no doubt from his solo recordings that he is a blues musician. Perhaps known to the masses most for his heart rending Tears in Heaven, he has countless other amazing songs.

3. Howlin' Wolf - Know for his loud electric blues, Chester Arthur Burnet, also known as Howlin' Wolf, was a large main with a large presence, and it showed in his music. He is one of the pillars of blues music, known most perhaps for his song Spoonful, covered by many, but also for others like Smokestack Lightnin' and Back Door Man.

2. Muddy Waters - Also known as McKinley Morganfield, Muddy Waters is considered the father of Chicago blues. He won several Grammy Awards with songs like Hoochie Coochie Man, Got My Mojo Working, and I Just Want to Make Love to You. He lived to be 70 years old and has influence not just blues, but a variety of genres.

1. B.B. King - No name is more recognizable, more popular, and currently, more successful and respected when it comes to blues than B.B. King. Also known as Riley King, he's directly influenced many artists and even played with some, such as Eric Clapton and U2. He's recorded tons of albums, made countless television appearances, has several thousand performances under his belt, and continues to do so. His success has been marked many times through Grammy Awards, inductions, and many other awards. His music is prolific and he continues to be a major influence in the genre.