Stevie Ray Vaughan, Rory Gallagher, AC/DC, 2Pac, The White Stripes, and Tito & Tarantula.
Stevie Ray Vaughan for his reviving the Blues and taking it to the next level whom Joe Bonamassa, Kenny Wayne Shepherd and all contemporary Blues musicians have not reached yet. Stevie Ray was three musicians wrapped up into one legend. He could play rhythm and lead at the same time, while singing with a gravel voice that is expected amongst Blues musicians. Furthermore, Stevie Ray did Hendrix better than Hendrix without all the drugs. Hendrix may have created Voodoo Chile (Slight Return), but Stevie perfected it.
Rory Gallagher is Ireland's best. Gary Moore doesn't come close. Having been a long time fan, Rory Gallagher has a song for whatever mood I am in. Like Hendrix, Stevie Ray, and Clapton, Rory was a rhythm, lead guitarist with excellent vocals. Another 3 musicians wrapped up into 1 legend.
AC/DC and 2Pac I have loved since very little. They captured the anger, angst and randiness of my youth.
The White Stripes are the band who got me listening to Rock N' Roll again with their Elephant album. Jack White is slightly overrated as a guitarist due to his inconsistency in live performance, but he is excellent nonetheless.
Tito & Tarantual is just an awesome band. Dark, sultry and soothing all at the same time.
I would also add Freddie King, Buddy Guy, Muddy Waters, Howlin' Wolf and Lightnin' Hopkins to the list. I love the Blues!
Like Pinetop Perkins said, "The Blues had a baby and they named it Rock N' Roll." I guess Jazz was the disowned daughter...Just kidding.
