Get ready to feel the rhythm! The nominees for the 2026 Blues Music Awards have just been unveiled, and the blues community is buzzing with anticipation.
The Blues Foundation has officially announced the contenders for the 47th annual Blues Music Awards, a celebration of the genre's most talented artists and their incredible work. This prestigious event, where the Blues Foundation's own members cast the deciding votes, will be held on May 7, 2026, in the heart of blues country: Memphis, Tennessee.
But here's where it gets interesting: who will take home the coveted awards? With such a stacked lineup, it's anyone's guess! Let's dive into some of the most exciting categories:
Acoustic Blues Album
This category celebrates the raw, stripped-down essence of the blues. Imagine sitting on a porch, listening to the soul-stirring melodies of an acoustic guitar. This year's nominees are:
- Catfish Keith for “Sugar for Sugar – Vol. 1 2025 Summer Sessions”
- Doug MacLeod for “Between Somewhere and Goodbye”
- Erin Harpe for “Let The Mermaids Flirt With Me: A Tribute to Mississippi John Hurt”
- Hudspeth & Taylor for “Kimuziki Live in Des Moines”
- Johnny Iguana for “At Delmark”
And this is the part most people miss: The artistry in acoustic blues lies in its intimacy and the sheer power of a single voice and instrument to convey deep emotion. It's a true testament to the enduring spirit of the blues.
Acoustic Blues Artist
Who is captivating audiences with their solo acoustic performances? The nominees are:
- Catfish Keith
- Doug MacLeod
- Eric Bibb
- Kevin Burt
- Rhiannon Giddens
Album of the Year
The biggest prize of the night! These albums have truly defined the sound of blues this past year. The nominees are:
- Blood Brothers Mike Zito & Albert Castiglia for “Help Yourself”
- Bobby Rush & Kenny Wayne Shepherd for “Young Fashioned Ways”
- D.K. Harrell for “Talkin’ Heavy”
- Larry McCray for “Heartbreak City”
- Tommy Castro & The Painkillers for “Closer To The Bone”
B.B. King Entertainer of the Year
Named in honor of the legendary B.B. King, this award recognizes an artist who embodies the charisma, talent, and stage presence that defined a true entertainer. The nominees are:
- Castro Coleman (Mr. Sipp)
- Rick Estrin
- Ronnie Baker Brooks
- Ruthie Foster
- Vanessa Collier
Band of the Year
When the chemistry between musicians is electric, the result is pure magic. These bands have been lighting up stages:
- Anthony Paule Soul Orchestra
- John Nemeth and the Blue Dreamers
- Southern Avenue
- Tedeschi Trucks Band
- Vanessa Collier Band
Best Emerging Artist Album
These artists are the future of the blues, bringing fresh perspectives and undeniable talent. The nominees are:
- Brody Buster for “Redemption”
- Allison August for “August Moon”
- Sean McDonald for “Have Mercy!”
- Robbin Kapsalis for “THE BLUES IS IN THE HOUSE”
- Kyle Rowland for “NOT HOLDING BACK!”
Blues Rock Album
For those who love their blues with a powerful, driving beat and electrifying guitar solos, this category is for you.
- Blood Brothers Mike Zito & Albert Castiglia for “Help Yourself”
- Devon Allman for “BLUES SUMMIT”
- Kent Burnside for “Hill Country Blood”
- Tom Hambridge for “Down The Hatch”
- Walter Trout for “Sign Of The Times”
Blues Rock Artist
These artists are masters of blending blues with rock's intensity.
- Ana Popovic
- Kenny Wayne Shepherd
- Kirk Fletcher
- Tommy Castro
- Walter Trout
Contemporary Blues Album
This category showcases the modern evolution of blues, incorporating a wide range of influences.
- Brandon Santini for “Which Way Do We Go?”
- Carolyn Wonderland for “Truth Is”
- D.K. Harrell for “Talkin’ Heavy”
- Monster Mike Welch for “Keep Living Til I Die”
- Southern Avenue for “Family”
Contemporary Blues Female Artist
Celebrating the powerful voices and incredible talent of women in contemporary blues.
- Carolyn Wonderland
- Danielle Nicole
- Ruthie Foster
- Samantha Fish
- Vanessa Collier
Contemporary Blues Male Artist
Recognizing the leading men who are shaping the contemporary blues sound.
- Brandon Santini
- Castro Coleman (Mr. Sipp)
- Chris Cain
- Christone ”Kingfish” Ingram
- D.K. Harrell
Instrumentalist Categories
These awards highlight the exceptional skill of musicians who bring the blues to life through their instruments. The nominees are:
- Instrumentalist – Bass: Benny Turner, Larry Fulcher, Michael ”Mudcat” Ward, Rodrigo Mantovani, Scot Sutherland
- Instrumentalist – Drums: Chris Layton, Chris Peet, Derrick D’Mar Martin, Tom Hambridge, Tony Braunagel
- Instrumentalist – Guitar: Chris Cain, Christoffer ”Kid” Andersen, Derek Trucks, Joanna Connor, Ronnie Baker Brooks
- Instrumentalist – Harmonica: Billy Branch, Bob Corritore, Brandon Santini, John Nemeth, Kim Wilson
- Instrumentalist – Horn: Greg Piccolo, Jimmy Carpenter, Mark Kaz Kazanoff, Regi Oliver, Trombone Shorty
- Instrumentalist – Piano (Pinetop Perkins Piano Player): Anthony Geraci, Bruce Katz, Dave Keyes, Jon Cleary, Marcia Ball
- Instrumentalist – Vocals: Candice Ivory, Danielle Nicole, John Nemeth, Shemekia Copeland, Susan Tedeschi
Here's a thought: While we often focus on the singers, the instrumentalists are the backbone of the blues, weaving intricate melodies and rhythms that speak directly to the soul. Do you think instrumentalists get the recognition they truly deserve? Let us know in the comments!
Song of the Year
These are the tracks that have resonated most deeply, telling stories and capturing the essence of the blues.
- “Mile After Mile” written by Brandon Santini & Jeff Jensen
- “Bye Bye Blues” written by Larry McCray & Charlie Walmsley
- “Can’t Catch a Break” written by Tommy Castro & Christoffer Andersen
- “Upside” written by Tierinii Jackson, Tikyra Jackson, Ori Naftaly, Dylan Altman & Marshall Altman
- “Who Was That?” written by Emmett Ellis Jr. & Kenny Wayne Shepherd
Soul Blues Album
This category celebrates the smooth, R&B-infused side of the blues, often characterized by heartfelt lyrics and rich vocal performances.
- Dave Keller for “La Brea”
- Jimmy Burns & Soul Message Band for “Full Circle”
- Johnny Rawls for “Make Them Dance”
- Tad Robinson Band for “Soul In Blue”
- The Soul of John Black for “Soul Salvation”
Soul Blues Female Artist
These incredible women are bringing soul and passion to the blues stage.
- Annika Chambers
- Candice Ivory
- Kat Riggins
- Thornetta Davis
- Vaneese Thomas
Soul Blues Male Artist
Celebrating the gentlemen who are masters of soul blues.
- Alabama Mike
- Curtis Salgado
- John Nemeth
- Johnny Rawls
- Tad Robinson
Traditional Blues Album
For those who cherish the roots of the blues, this category honors albums that stay true to the genre's classic sound.
- Bobby Rush & Kenny Wayne Shepherd for “Young Fashioned Ways”
- Buddy Guy for “Ain’t Done With The Blues”
- Charlie Musselwhite for “Look Out Highway”
- Maria Muldaur for “One Hour Mama: The Blues of Victoria Spivey”
- Roomful Of Blues for “Steppin’ Out”
Traditional Blues Female Artist (Koko Taylor Award)
Named after the Queen of the Blues herself, this award honors female artists who embody the spirit and power of traditional blues.
- Diunna Greenleaf
- Eden Brent
- Maria Muldaur
- Rhiannon Giddens
- Teeny Tucker
Traditional Blues Male Artist
These artists are keeping the flame of traditional blues burning bright.
- Billy Branch
- Jimmie Vaughan
- John Primer
- Jontavious Willis
- Rick Estrin
International Blues Album
The blues truly knows no borders, and this category celebrates exceptional albums from artists around the globe.
- Brandon Isaak for “Walkin With The Blues”
- Honeybear, the Band for “I Was Wrong”
- Hubert Dorigatti & Blues harp masters for “Poor Boy”
- J.T. Lauritsen & The Buckshot Hunters for “Still be friends”
- The Angelique Francis Band for “Not Defeated”
Now, over to you: The nominees represent a fantastic spectrum of blues talent. Do you agree with these nominations? Is there anyone you feel was surprisingly left out? Share your thoughts and predictions below – let the blues debate begin!
