The Immortals of Blues Piano: A Salute to their Legacy

The blues is a genre of music that has an incredible history and has been shaped by some of the most talented pianists of all time. These immortals of blues piano have left an enduring mark on the genre, influencing countless other artists and shaping the sound of the blues as we know it today. Here is a salute to their legacy with some of the most famous blues pianists of all time and some more that you may not know!

Ray Charles, born 23^rd September 1930 – 10^th June 2004

First on the list is Ray Charles, also known as “The Genius.” Charles was a blind American singer, songwriter, pianist, and composer who blended gospel, blues, R&B, and country to create a unique sound that influenced countless artists. He is considered one of the most important figures in the history of American popular music, and his influence can still be heard in the music of contemporary artists across multiple genres.

Here’s how to play Hit the Road Jack on the piano by Ray Charles.

Otis Spann, born 21^st March 1924 or 1930 – 24^th April 1970

We now look at a legendary figure in the world of blues piano by the name of Otis Spann. The exact date and location of Spann’s birth was a subject of controversy. While some sources claim he was born in 1930 in Jackson, Mississippi, blues researchers Bob Eagle and Eric LeBlanc determined through census records and official documentation that he was actually born in 1924 in Belzoni, Mississippi.

His career as a pianist began in the early 1950s. Spann was a masterful pianist, known for his virtuosity and his ability to infuse his playing with a deep sense of emotion. He played with some of the biggest names in the blues including Muddy Waters, and his contributions to the genre helped to establish the Chicago blues sound.

John Len Chatman (Memphis Slim), born 3^rd September 1915 – 24^th February 1988

Another blues pianist who has left a lasting impact on the genre is Memphis Slim. Born in Memphis, Tennessee in 1915, Slim began his career as a pianist in the 1930s. He was known for his powerful, driving piano playing and his ability to infuse his music with a deep sense of passion and emotion. He recorded many hit songs throughout his career, and his influence can still be heard in the music of contemporary blues pianists.

Joe Willie “Pinetop” Perkins, born 7^th July 1913 – 21^st March 2011

Pinetop Perkins is another iconic figure in the world of blues piano. Born in Mississippi in 1913, Perkins began his career as a pianist in the 1930s. He was known for his powerful, driving piano playing and his ability to infuse his music with a deep sense of passion and emotion. He recorded many hit songs throughout his career and played with some of the biggest names in the blues, including Muddy Waters. Perkins was awarded with a Grammy for his last album ‘Joined at the Hip’ in which he played with Willie ‘Big Eyes’ Smith.

Dr John, born 20^th November 1941 – 6^th June 2019

Last but not least, there’s Dr. John, also known as Mac Rebennack. He was born in New Orleans in 1940 and began his career as a pianist and singer in the 1950s. Dr. John the Night Tripper was known for his unique blend of blues, R&B, and New Orleans-style funk, and his music was heavily influenced by the city’s rich musical heritage. He recorded many hit songs throughout his career and his influence can still be heard in the music of contemporary blues pianists.

Honorable mentions in blues piano

We couldn’t sign off this tribute without mentioning a few more legends of blues piano. Little Brother Montgomery was born in Louisiana in 1906 and began his career as a pianist in the 1920s. He was known for his powerful, driving piano playing and his ability to infuse his music with a deep sense of passion and emotion. He recorded many hit songs throughout his career and his influence can still be heard in the music of contemporary blues pianists.

Blues pianist Sunnyland Slim, born in Mississippi in 1906, was another important figure in the genre. He began his career as a pianist in the 1920s and was known for his powerful, driving piano playing and his ability to infuse his music with a deep sense of passion and emotion. He recorded many hit songs throughout his career and his influence can still be heard in the music of contemporary blues pianists.