Lightnin’ Hopkins’ newly reissued ‘Last Night Blues’ pays homage to the roots of blues while also inviting new listeners to appreciate its timeless appeal.

I thought I didn’t need another take on “Come On In My Kitchen.” Twenty years ago, Eric Clapton proved me wrong with ‘Me and Mr. Johnson.’

Released 15 years ago this week, B.B. King’s ‘One Kind Favor’ began with a dying plea: “When the day comes, don’t forget me.” No chance of that.

Sonny Landreth’s terrific solo re-introduction arrived 30 years ago this month, deftly sidestepping several pitfalls associated with guitar-sideman records.

Ex-James Brown saxist Pee Wee Ellis unveiled his debut solo LP 30 years ago this month, proving again that he was one of the funkiest homo sapiens anywhere.

He may not be from NOLA, but James Blood Ulmer proved 15 years ago this week that he was a true New Orleanian at heart.

Released 30 years ago, R.L. Burnside’s debut album ‘Bad Luck City’ belatedly introduced an almost fully formed genius.

Chicago area-based guitarist Chris Forte’s ‘Backyard Astronomy’ is an intriguing LP with several genres represented, from blues to classical, to jazz.

Released 30 years ago this week, ‘All Night Long’ unfortunately arrived too close to the end for Junior Kimbrough.

Through it all, John Mayall resisted the commercial call and just played a mean, authentic and very defiant British boogie-rocking and heaven-sent blues.