The flipside to the black blues classics were these country blues sides by white artists. 25 classics and obscure gems: "Down South Blues" Dock Boggs, "Mule Skinner Blues" Jimmie Rodgers, "Black Dog... more

Here are the original masters of bottleneck guitar—the most haunting sound in the blues. Slide through 25 vintage cuts: "It's Nobody's Fault but Mine" Blind Willie Johnson, "Bukka's Jitterbug Swing"... more

So much variety, so much soul, such divine guitarists and harmonica men…24 East Coast blues classics: "Harmonica Stomp" Sonny Terry, "Unfair Blues" Brownie McGhee, "O Lord, Search My Heart" Rev. Gary... more

From the reverends of the blues to spiritual renditions by prewar blues giants, here are 25 soul-shaking sides that bridge blues and gospel: "The Angels' Message to Me" Rev. Gary Davis, "Lord I Just... more

The line between the Lord's song and the Devil's music has always been thin. Here are 25 soul-stirring meetings of the two: "I Am the Light" Rev. Gary Davis, "I Know His Blood Can Make Me Whole"... more

With his mix of deep soul and lyrical wit—and his distinctive, energized guitar style—Blind Boy Fuller influenced countless bluesmen. His career was short but prolific; here are Tom Cat Blues; Step... more

This 2-CD set celebrates the evolution of modern blues as it absorbs rock, rap, electronic and global influences: Mami Wata Corey Harris; Oualahila Ar Tesninam Tinarawen; Win My Train Fare Home... more

Even vets of country blues will want to own this set of rare gems from unsung pioneers of the art form whose pasts are shrouded in mystery. Includes "Bothering That Thing" Kansas Joe; "Niagra Fall... more

Ragtime piano rhythms leap to the hands of the great early blues guitarists (and several artists shrouded in mystery) in this killer 25-track comp: "Beggin' Back" Blind Lemon Jefferson, "Guitar Rag"... more