For blues aficionados everywhere, this is a complete guide to the uniquely American world of the blues. The roots of the blues can be found in the turn-of-the-century Mississippi Delta, but today its reach extends into all kinds of music including rock, jazz, country, soul, and more. The blues is everywhere, on CD reissues and box sets, in small clubs and concerts, in movies and on TV - indeed, the influence of the blues extends throughout popular culture. However, anyone who wants to really explore the blues can face a daunting task when visiting a music store these days. Most well-stocked shops have a decent selection of blues recordings. But there are dozens of Lightnin' Hopkins CDs available; which are the good ones? Which one do you buy first? This book will steer you straight to the best releases for every artist and compilation listed. You'll also see the occasional "buyer beware alert, " so that you don't get stuck with an inferior CD or tape. Designed for devoted blues lovers and newcomers alike, this book explores the blues from the Mississippi Delta to modern electric blues and everything in between. Special features include biographies of more than 560 blues artists and groups; reviews and ratings of the best recordings of each performer - more than 2,600 in all; historical essays and "music maps" charting the roots and evolution of the blues, its styles, instruments, key artists, and more; special section on exploring the blues influence in jazz; and blues resources, including book reviews, magazine listings, record companies, and mail-order sources.