2026 Blues Grammy Nominations Announced
The Recording Academy has revealed the nominees for the 2026 GRAMMY Awards, and this year’s blues categories feature a mix of living legends and modern torchbearers keeping the genre alive.
Best Traditional Blues Album
- Ain’t Done With The Blues — Buddy Guy
- Room On The Porch — Taj Mahal & Keb’ Mo’
- One Hour Mama: The Blues Of Victoria Spivey — Maria Muldaur
- Look Out Highway — Charlie Musselwhite
- Young Fashioned Ways — Kenny Wayne Shepherd & Bobby Rush
The Traditional Blues category showcases some of the genre’s most iconic names, including Buddy Guy, Taj Mahal, Keb’ Mo’, and Charlie Musselwhite, each continuing to shape the sound of authentic blues well into their storied careers. Kenny Wayne Shepherd and Bobby Rush’s collaboration on Young Fashioned Ways also highlights the bridge between generations that defines today’s blues scene.
Best Contemporary Blues Album
- Breakthrough — Joe Bonamassa
- Paper Doll — Samantha Fish
- A Tribute To LJK — Eric Gales
- Preacher Kids — Robert Randolph
- Family — Southern Avenue
The Contemporary Blues category showcases the evolution of the genre to where it is today, from Joe Bonamassa’s Breakthrough to Samantha Fish’s soulful, hook-driven Paper Doll. Eric Gales earns another nomination for A Tribute To LJK, while Robert Randolph and Southern Avenue round out a field that blends tradition with innovation and gospel-funk flair.
The 2026 GRAMMY Awards take place Sunday, February 1, at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. The ceremony will broadcast live on the CBS Television Network and stream live and on demand on Paramount+.
How can you overlook Anthony Gomes ‘Praise the Loud’??
I agree. It’s a great album
Agreed
Thanks for the recommendation I have a new favourite blues player now “The whiskey made me do it” is one of the best new blues songs I have heard for a while
The major awards are an absolute joke.
Hope Buddy, and Eric Gales Win.
I am very glad to see Joe Bonamassa on the list of Best of Contemporary Blues Album!! I am in great hopes that he will win!!
Joe Bonamassa brings SO Much to the music scene that he would be my top pick for a Grammy. We have seen him 4 years in a row at Red Rocks and numerous times in the Midwest. Truly Tops.
Me too! JB should have already won.
Not surprised to see Samantha Fish among the nominations. Maybe it’s her turn at last.
Keeping my fingers crossed that it is her turn to win! Such a talented artist!
Larry McCray should be on that list
Where’s Taj Farrant? He had numerous number ones in the world.
Sam Fish deserves to win, this album is her best to date and a winner