classic blues listening list - any suggestions?

[Jazzneck]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Mv665Go2DQ

Ever wonder where Mr. Bruce got it from?

[Kirky]

I joined a blues band a year ago and its really the first time I played the blues. Everything suggested above is good, and seems to cover most of our set list! ##

I've also really enjoyed listening to Pino Palladino's playing with the John Mayer trio.

[musophilr]

"Can Blue Men Sing The Whites" (Bonzo Dog Doo Dah Band)

Listening to Mayall, Clapton, Green et al isn't wrong but its getting your blooze second hand.

Go for

Freddy King, John Lee Hooker, Muddy Waters, Sonny Boy Williamson, Howlin' Wolf

[yepmop]

Taste were a great blues rock band (early Rory Gallagher), another name I don't think has been mentioned here is Johhny Winter (especially his early stuff).

I'm going to make a list of all the suggestions for my education as well

[Big_Stu]

It might be stating the obvious to many; but don't forget that "the blues" isn't necessarily down music, a lot of it is fun, about joking, a celebration of living, a guy strutting his stuff, think "Little Red Rooster", "I'm A Man", much of my all time favourite, Albert Collins' stuff is in a light hearted vein - but your guitarist would have to be better than red hot to carry one of his well.