10 Blues Rock Acts With Mainstream Success
Blues rock has always thrived in its own lane, blending the raw emotion of the blues with the energy of rock ‘n’ roll. But every so often, an artist breaks through the boundaries of the genre, achieving mainstream success without losing their gritty blues roots. These ten blues rock acts didn’t just stay in their corner—they invaded the mainstream and brought the blues to a wider audience.
Eric Clapton
Eric Clapton is arguably the most recognizable name in blues rock. His mainstream success began in the 1960s with Cream, but he solidified his solo career in the ‘70s with hits like “Layla” and “Wonderful Tonight.” Clapton’s ability to weave soulful blues with melodic rock gave him a broad appeal, making him one of the few guitarists to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame three times. His MTV Unplugged performance of “Tears in Heaven” and “Layla” introduced a whole new generation to his bluesy sound. These days Clapton isn’t so much focused on mainstream success but continues to release new music.
Stevie Ray Vaughan
In the 1980s, Stevie Ray Vaughan reignited mainstream interest in the blues with his fiery guitar playing and Texas swagger. With his debut album Texas Flood, Vaughan didn’t just captivate blues fans; he caught the attention of rock and pop audiences as well. His albums went gold and platinum, and Vaughan’s fiery live performances, including his iconic MTV Unplugged session, further cemented his crossover appeal. Tracks like “Pride and Joy” and “Crossfire” became radio staples, making Vaughan a household name before his untimely death.
Kenny Wayne Shepherd
Kenny Wayne Shepherd exploded onto the blues rock scene in the 1990s with a sound steeped in the Texas blues tradition. Shepherd’s Stratocaster tone, soaked in reverb and overdrive, brings out the best of his aggressive, high-energy playing. Shepherd’s style, heard on tracks like “Blue on Black,” combines the fire of Stevie Ray Vaughan with his own melodic sensibility, creating a sound that balances power and finesse. “Blue on Black” is one of the biggest hits a blues rock artist has ever written and still gets lots of radio play.
Gary Clark Jr.
With a sound that fuses blues, rock, soul, and hip-hop, Gary Clark Jr. has taken blues rock into the 21st century. His breakout moment came in 2012 with his album Blak and Blu, which crossed genre lines and reached the top 10 of the Billboard 200. Tracks like “Bright Lights” and “This Land” show his range, from gritty blues anthems to socially conscious rock. Clark’s appearances at major festivals like Coachella, alongside performances on late-night TV and the Grammys, helped solidify his status as a mainstream force. He’s even appeared on Joe Rogan’s world-famous podcast.
Bonnie Raitt
Bonnie Raitt’s blend of blues rock, country, and pop made her a crossover star in the 1990s. Her 1989 album Nick of Time catapulted her into the mainstream, winning her several Grammy Awards and hitting number one on the Billboard 200. Raitt’s slide guitar playing, combined with her smooth vocals, appealed to a wide audience, with hits like “Something to Talk About” and “I Can’t Make You Love Me” receiving heavy radio play. Her success paved the way for other female blues rockers to follow.
The Black Keys
The Black Keys took their gritty blues rock sound from the indie circuit to arena-filling, Grammy-winning heights. Their 2010 album Brothers marked their mainstream breakthrough, with the hit single “Tighten Up” earning them a Grammy. The follow-up album, El Camino, delivered the mega-hit “Lonely Boy,” which introduced blues rock to a whole new generation of listeners. With their dirty guitar riffs and raw production, The Black Keys proved that blues rock could thrive in the modern music landscape.
John Mayer
While John Mayer may have started as a pop singer-songwriter, his shift toward blues rock redefined his career. Mayer’s deep love for blues guitar led to his formation of the John Mayer Trio, where he showcased his chops on albums like Try! Stevie Ray Vaughan was a massive influence on Mayer and his transition into blues rock culminated with Continuum, featuring hits like “Gravity” and “Slow Dancing in a Burning Room,” which blended bluesy guitar tones with mainstream appeal. Mayer’s ability to straddle the line between pop and blues rock has kept him a fixture in both worlds.
ZZ Top
With their Texas swagger, iconic beards, and bluesy riffs, ZZ Top became one of the biggest blues rock bands in mainstream music. Their 1983 album Eliminator transformed them from rock legends into MTV stars, thanks to hit singles like “Sharp Dressed Man” and “Legs.” Combining blues rock with a slick, synth-driven sound, ZZ Top found mass appeal without sacrificing their roots. Their music videos were omnipresent on MTV, introducing the band to a broader, more commercial audience.
Jeff Healey
The late Jeff Healey’s unique approach to playing the guitar—on his lap—set him apart visually and sonically. His blend of blues rock and pop sensibilities made his 1988 album See the Light a commercial success, driven by the hit single “Angel Eyes.” Healey’s mastery of blues-infused guitar playing, combined with catchy songwriting, helped him cross over into mainstream radio while still showcasing his deep love for the blues. Healey is also very well known for his role in the film, Road House.
George Thorogood
George Thorogood’s rowdy, barroom style of blues rock found widespread appeal with songs that celebrated rebelliousness and good times. His breakthrough album Bad to the Bone produced the title track, which became an instant classic and an anthem for toughness. Thorogood’s straightforward, no-nonsense approach to blues rock, along with his relentless touring, helped him secure a lasting spot in the mainstream. His music has been featured in countless movies, TV shows, and commercials, ensuring his presence far beyond the blues rock world.
This site is obsessed with Eric Clapton.
Yes, keep going on about how great Layla is. He couldn’t have done it without The Great Duane Allman
This site is obsessed with these lists.
Allman Brothers Band
Definitely, Duane & Dick Betts together were fantastic
I agree. Duane & Dicky Betts together were fantastic
What about Joe Bonamassa?
Totally agree 👍
I never hear Joe on the rock stations (or Beth Hart, and many others). Stevie Ray Vaughan, Jeff Healy, and Kenny Wayne Sheperd might get a top hit played once, and a while. It’s a shame. I’ve heard the same songs played over again, and again for most of my life. It’s good music, but some variety would be nice. The local station had a “Nothing But the Blues” program on Sunday mornings for a while, but discontinued it.
Avoid the local stations. Most smart phones can get Pandora and other radio stations that are customizable to your taste. Mine is always set to Gov’t Mule radio and I am never let down. Local radio sucks.
And Johnny winter
Almost all white males?
I agree. How about Buddy Guy, Albert King, Luther Allison, Christone, Kingfish, Ingram, Marcus King, Bernard Allison, Robert Randolph and let’s not forget the late great B.B. King and other greats.
The G Man, the one and only blues maestro
Rory Gallagher, stayed true to his blues roots,
never sold out for fame or fortune, toured the globe extensively, & stayed true to his fans, a
legend, gone but will never be forgotten, the
Irish blues God.
No Allman Brothers Band?
I was very surprised and disappointed the Allman Brothers did not make this list. They were masterful musicians and oozed the blues.
Obviously some don’t appreciate the great music the Allman Brothers played
Jeff Healey’s “unique style”??
No mention of the fact that his style came about due to his blindness..
Kingfish.
How about Creedence Clearwater ! Arguably the most successful of them all
I agree. How about Buddy Guy, Albert King, Luther Allison, Christone, Kingfish, Ingram, Marcus King, Bernard Allison, Robert Randolph and let’s not forget the late great B.B. King and other greats.
The Blues Rock Review can be trusted to promote forcibly produced acts that do not really exist. Like “George Thorogood”. Why would anyone want to. subscribe?
This list is a pile of crap
What about Lonnie Mack. He influenced most of the people listed here and if you ask them , they will tell you the same.
Rory Gallagher will always be at the top of these lists.
Someone commented elsewhere with regards to the lists produced – that we see the same suspects in almost every list albeit with different list names.
I must admit I’d be interested more in lists that introduce me to something or someone new. It’s not that I dislike the artists the reappear regularly but some variety in list criteria before filling with content may see a positive spin in the comments.