Various Artists

This collection compiles 15 blues LPs, all of them classics in their own right, which serve as an easy introduction to the genre. Most of them were recorded between the mid-1950s and the early 1960s, when recording techniques had advanced significantly with respect to previous years. That period also marked the beginning of the LP era. Thus, no rough sounds are to be heard on this set.

Represented here are some of the best figures of the blues world, heard on some of the finest LPs of the genre. Includes a 20-page booklet including rare photos, vintage memorabilia and detailed liner notes.

This set contains the following 15 albums in their entirety
(except for the last two, as indicated):

CD 1: B.B. KING:
King of the Blues (Crown CLP5167) + My Kind of Blues(Crown CLP5188)

CD 2: ETTA JAMES:
At Last! (Argo LPS-4003) + The Second Time Around (Argo LPS-4011)

CD 3: MUDDY WATERS
At Newport (Chess LP1449) + Muddy Waters Sings Big Bill (Chess LP1444)

CD 4: JOHN LEE HOOKER:
I'm John Lee Hooker (Vee-Jay LP1007) + Travelin' (Vee-Jay LP1023)

CD 5: BOBBY BLAND / HOWLIN' WOLF
Two Steps from the Blues (Duke DLP-74) + Moanin' in the Moonlight (Chess LP-1434)

CD 6: JIMMY REED / RAY CHARLES
Rockin' with Reed (Vee-Jay LP-1008) + ay Charles: The Genius Sings the Blues (Atlantic LP8052)

CD 7: SCREAMIN' JAY HAWKINS / J OHNNY "GUITAR" WATSON
At Home with Screamin' (Epic LN 3448) + Space Guitar Master (Selections from Hoodoo 263397)

CD 8: PROFESSOR LONGHAIR
No Buts, No Maybes (Selections from Hoodoo 263379)