What are the essential records that should form the heart of any collection of blues? Where do the best records fit in the history of blues, and how do they relate to one another? If a collection has basic representative records in one style of blues, what are the best records to supplement and enrich that area of music? In The Blackwell Guide to Blues Records twelve of the world's authorities answer these questions, and suggest the framework for a basic collection of recordings. Each covers a particular area of blues history and in addition to describing and recommending ten essential records, gives details of up to 30 more which would consolidate that area. The book covers topics as diverse as early songsters, Mississippi Valley blues, Texas blues, the classic women singers, piano blues, Rhythm and Blues, postwar Chicago, Louisiana, the West Coast, and Soul blues. The majority of records discussed are currently available, but some rare or out-of-print items are included, owing to their crucial importance to a comprehensive collection.