10 Blues Rock Artists Who Defined the 1960s

From Jimi Hendrix to The Rolling Stones, these musicians shaped the blues rock genre

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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The 1960s saw the rise of blues rock, as young musicians in Britain and America studied the records of blues legends like Muddy Waters and Howlin' Wolf, then amplified the music with louder equipment, longer solos, and a new sense of ambition. These ten artists were central to defining the blues rock sound and ethos during this transformative decade.

Why it matters

The 1960s blues rock movement laid the groundwork for countless guitar-driven genres that followed, from hard rock to heavy metal. These artists not only paid homage to the blues tradition, but also pushed the music into new, more experimental territory, expanding the possibilities of what the guitar could do.

The details

The 1960s blues rock artists featured in this article include Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, Cream, The Rolling Stones, Buddy Guy, Fleetwood Mac, the Paul Butterfield Blues Band, Johnny Winter, Canned Heat, and John Mayall. Each of these musicians or groups made significant contributions to the genre, whether through technical virtuosity, emotional expression, or a deep understanding of blues history and tradition.

  • The 1960s saw the rise of blues rock as a dominant force in popular music.
  • Many of the key artists featured in this article, such as Jimi Hendrix and Cream, had their breakthrough moments in the late 1960s.

The players

Jimi Hendrix

An American guitarist who is widely regarded as one of the most influential and innovative musicians of the 20th century, known for his unparalleled guitar skills and his ability to push the boundaries of the instrument.

Eric Clapton

A British guitarist who was a key figure in the 1960s blues rock movement, known for his work with the Yardbirds, John Mayall's Bluesbreakers, and the supergroup Cream.

Cream

A British rock supergroup formed in the 1960s, consisting of Eric Clapton, Jack Bruce, and Ginger Baker, whose experimental and improvisational approach to blues rock helped define the genre.

The Rolling Stones

A legendary British rock band that was heavily influenced by American blues music, and whose gritty, blues-infused sound helped shape the development of blues rock in the 1960s.

Buddy Guy

An American blues guitarist and singer who was a key figure in the Chicago blues scene, and whose innovative and expressive playing style directly influenced many of the 1960s blues rock artists.

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The takeaway

The 1960s blues rock artists featured in this article laid the foundation for countless guitar-driven genres that followed, demonstrating how the blues could be both respected and reinvented. Their influence continues to be felt in the music of today, as musicians strive to balance tradition and innovation.