Instant Record Collection: Chicago Blues

Blues music may have been forged in the Mississippi Delta, but Chicago is where the music put on a shirt and tie, subsequently achieving commercial respectability. The period between 1950 and 1970 was the prime era for Chicago blues music, when giants like Muddy Waters, Howlin' Wolf, and Junior Wells ruled the roost. Although the music slumped somewhat during the late-1960s, during the late-70s and early-80s, houserockers like Son Seals, Hound Dog Taylor, and Lonnie Brooks carried the torch for Chicago-styled blues. These days, Buddy Guy and Eddy Clearwater are the kings, while artists like Dave Specter and Nick Moss continue the tradition. If you're looking to start a blues collection, these are the ten Chicago blues albums to begin with…an instant record collection!