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. 1
   Muddy Waters Band

   Chicago blues legend whose electric band defined modern blues
2. 2
   B.B. King & His Orchestra

   Blues icon B.B. King and his backing band, known for his guitar "Lucille"
3. 3
   Howlin Wolf

   Powerful Chicago blues artist known for his raw, intense performances
4. 4
   Stevie Ray Vaughan & Double Trouble

   Texas blues guitarist and his band, revivalists of classic blues rock
5. 5
   The Blues Brothers Band

   Legendary blues and soul ensemble from the Saturday Night Live sketch turned film
6. 6
   John Mayall & the Bluesbreakers

   British blues band that launched careers of Clapton, Green, and Mick Taylor
7. 7
   Buddy Guy & His Band

   Chicago blues guitarist known for his flamboyant style and influence on rock
8. 8
   Albert King & His Band

   Blues guitarist known for his powerful string bends and influence on Hendrix and Clapton
9. 9
   Albert Collins & the Icebreakers

   Texas blues guitarist known as "The Master of the Telecaster"
10. 10
    Robert Cray Band

    Contemporary blues artist known for his soulful guitar work
11. 11
    Taj Mahal & the Phantom Blues Band

    Blues artist known for blending blues with world music
12. 12
    Little Walter & His Jukes

    Innovative harmonica player who transformed blues harmonica technique
13. 13
    Junior Wells & Buddy Guy

    Chicago blues partnership between harmonica player Wells and guitarist Guy
14. 14
    The Fabulous Thunderbirds

    Austin blues-rock band fronted by Kim Wilson
15. 15
    Canned Heat

    Blues rock band known for Woodstock performances and "Going Up the Country"
16. 16
    The Paul Butterfield Blues Band

    Chicago blues band that helped bring blues to white rock audiences
17. 17
    Johnny Winter & Band

    Texas blues guitarist known for his albino appearance and scorching slide guitar
18. 18
    Pinetop Perkins & the Legendary Blues Band

    Chicago blues pianist and his backing band