The wait is over! The Blues Foundation has unveiled the highly anticipated nominees for the 2026 Blues Music Awards, and the blues community is buzzing with excitement. But who will take home the coveted trophies?
The 47th Annual Blues Extravaganza:
On May 7, 2026, Memphis, Tennessee, will host a celebration of the blues, honoring the best in the business. The nominees represent a diverse range of talents, from seasoned veterans to rising stars, all vying for recognition in various categories.
Acoustic Blues Showdown:
In the Acoustic Blues Album category, we find a mix of solo artists and collaborations. Catfish Keith's 'Sugar for Sugar – Vol. 1 2025 Summer Sessions' and Doug MacLeod's 'Between Somewhere and Goodbye' showcase their mastery of the genre. Erin Harpe pays tribute to Mississippi John Hurt, while Hudspeth & Taylor bring their live energy to the table. And let's not forget Johnny Iguana's 'At Delmark'. But here's where it gets interesting: the Acoustic Blues Artist category features some of these album nominees, but will the winners align?
Album of the Year: A Fierce Competition:
Five exceptional albums are in the running, including collaborations like Blood Brothers Mike Zito & Albert Castiglia's 'Help Yourself' and Bobby Rush & Kenny Wayne Shepherd's 'Young Fashioned Ways'. D.K. Harrell's 'Talkin’ Heavy', Larry McCray's 'Heartbreak City', and Tommy Castro & The Painkillers' 'Closer To The Bone' complete the lineup. Which album will be crowned the ultimate blues masterpiece?
The Ultimate Entertainer:
The B.B. King Entertainer of the Year category is a prestigious one, with Castro Coleman (Mr. Sipp), Rick Estrin, Ronnie Baker Brooks, Ruthie Foster, and Vanessa Collier all vying for the title. But who will be named the most captivating performer?
Band Supremacy:
The Band of the Year category showcases incredible ensembles: Anthony Paule Soul Orchestra, John Nemeth and the Blue Dreamers, Southern Avenue, Tedeschi Trucks Band, and Vanessa Collier Band. Which group will reign supreme?
Emerging Talent:
The Best Emerging Artist Album category highlights fresh talent with Brody Buster's 'Redemption', Allison August's 'August Moon', Sean McDonald's 'Have Mercy!', Robbin Kapsalis' 'THE BLUES IS IN THE HOUSE', and Kyle Rowland's 'NOT HOLDING BACK!'. Who will be the breakout star?
Rockin' the Blues:
Blues Rock Album nominees include Blood Brothers Mike Zito & Albert Castiglia, Devon Allman, Kent Burnside, Tom Hambridge, and Walter Trout, showcasing their unique takes on the genre. And in the Blues Rock Artist category, we find Ana Popovic, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Kirk Fletcher, Tommy Castro, and Walter Trout again, but will the winners be the same?
Contemporary Blues Excellence:
The Contemporary Blues Album category features Brandon Santini's 'Which Way Do We Go?', Carolyn Wonderland's 'Truth Is', D.K. Harrell's 'Talkin’ Heavy', Monster Mike Welch's 'Keep Living Til I Die', and Southern Avenue's 'Family'. These artists push the boundaries of traditional blues. And in the Contemporary Blues Female and Male Artist categories, we find a mix of seasoned and emerging talents, leaving us wondering: will the winners be the expected choices or will there be surprises?
Instrumental Mastery:
The Instrumentalist categories honor the unsung heroes of blues music. From bassists like Benny Turner and Larry Fulcher to drummers like Chris Layton and Chris Peet, each nominee brings their unique rhythm. Guitarists Chris Cain and Christoffer ”Kid” Andersen, harmonica players Billy Branch and Bob Corritore, horn players Greg Piccolo and Jimmy Carpenter, and pianists Anthony Geraci and Bruce Katz all showcase their exceptional skills. And let's not forget the vocalists, with Candice Ivory, Danielle Nicole, John Nemeth, Shemekia Copeland, and Susan Tedeschi all nominated for their powerful voices.
Songwriting Brilliance:
The Song of the Year category celebrates the craft of songwriting. Will it be Brandon Santini & Jeff Jensen's 'Mile After Mile', Larry McCray & Charlie Walmsley's 'Bye Bye Blues', Tommy Castro & Christoffer Andersen's 'Can’t Catch a Break', Tierinii Jackson and team's 'Upside', or Emmett Ellis Jr. & Kenny Wayne Shepherd's 'Who Was That?' that takes home the prize?
Soulful Blues:
Soul Blues Album nominees include Dave Keller's 'La Brea', Jimmy Burns & Soul Message Band's 'Full Circle', Johnny Rawls' 'Make Them Dance', Tad Robinson Band's 'Soul In Blue', and The Soul of John Black's 'Soul Salvation'. These artists bring a soulful twist to the blues. And in the Soul Blues Female and Male Artist categories, we find a diverse range of talents, leaving us curious about the winners.
Traditional Blues Legacy:
The Traditional Blues Album category honors the roots of the genre. Nominees include collaborations like Bobby Rush & Kenny Wayne Shepherd and Buddy Guy's 'Ain’t Done With The Blues'. Charlie Musselwhite, Maria Muldaur, and Roomful Of Blues complete the list. And in the Traditional Blues Female and Male Artist categories, legends like Koko Taylor Award nominees Diunna Greenleaf and Eden Brent, as well as seasoned performers like Billy Branch and Jimmie Vaughan, are in the running. But will the winners be the expected veterans or will a newer artist claim the title?
Global Blues Recognition:
The International Blues Album category celebrates blues music's global reach. Brandon Isaak, Honeybear, the Band, Hubert Dorigatti & Blues harp masters, J.T.Lauritsen & The Buckshot Hunters, and The Angelique Francis Band are all nominated for their unique contributions to the international blues scene.
And there you have it! The 2026 Blues Music Awards nominees are a testament to the diverse and vibrant world of blues music. But who will be the winners? Only time will tell. And this is the part most people miss—the anticipation and the discussions leading up to the big night. So, what are your predictions? Who do you think will sweep the awards? Share your thoughts and let's keep the blues conversation going!
