What is the best blues band of all time?

The blues gave birth to rock, soul, and so much of modern music — but at its heart, the blues belongs to the bands and musicians who lived it. From the electrified Chicago streets to the Texas roadhouses, these artists poured raw emotion into every note. Cast your vote for the blues band that defined the genre and left the deepest mark on music history.

1

Muddy Waters Band

Chicago blues legend whose electric band defined modern blues

2

B.B. King & His Orchestra

Blues icon B.B. King and his backing band, known for his guitar "Lucille"

3

Howlin Wolf

Powerful Chicago blues artist known for his raw, intense performances

4

Stevie Ray Vaughan & Double Trouble

Texas blues guitarist and his band, revivalists of classic blues rock

5

The Blues Brothers Band

Legendary blues and soul ensemble from the Saturday Night Live sketch turned film

6

John Mayall & the Bluesbreakers

British blues band that launched careers of Clapton, Green, and Mick Taylor

7

Buddy Guy & His Band

Chicago blues guitarist known for his flamboyant style and influence on rock

8

Albert King & His Band

Blues guitarist known for his powerful string bends and influence on Hendrix and Clapton

9

Albert Collins & the Icebreakers

Texas blues guitarist known as "The Master of the Telecaster"

10

Robert Cray Band

Contemporary blues artist known for his soulful guitar work

11

Taj Mahal & the Phantom Blues Band

Blues artist known for blending blues with world music

12

Little Walter & His Jukes

Innovative harmonica player who transformed blues harmonica technique

13

Junior Wells & Buddy Guy

Chicago blues partnership between harmonica player Wells and guitarist Guy

14

The Fabulous Thunderbirds

Austin blues-rock band fronted by Kim Wilson

15

Canned Heat

Blues rock band known for Woodstock performances and "Going Up the Country"

16

The Paul Butterfield Blues Band

Chicago blues band that helped bring blues to white rock audiences

17

Johnny Winter & Band

Texas blues guitarist known for his albino appearance and scorching slide guitar

18

Pinetop Perkins & the Legendary Blues Band

Chicago blues pianist and his backing band