Hendrix stretched the boundaries of electric blues guitar into psychedelic space, the most creative, distinctive electric guitarist ever. Clapton played with fierce precision and an inner fire in a variety of styles from straight blues (with Mayall), blues rock (Yardbirds), blues-based power trio (Cream), and an apocalyptic blending of them all (Derek and the Dominos, which also included Duane Allman) until heroin addiction in the early-'70s robbed him, for a time, of his mojo.

Allman (who died in a motorcycle accident in 1971) created a languid, lyrical, yet cutting style. With the Allman Brothers he often played slide, keeping the listener in constant anticipation as he brought the slide up to just flat of a given note, before pressing brilliantly on. Behind Duane and his brother Gregg on organ and vocals, the Allmans were the finest blues rock group ever.

Stevie Ray Vaughan, Keb' Mo', Bonnie Raitt, Cassandra Wilson, young Shemekia Copeland and others, bring The Best of the Blues up to the present in a manner that should satisfy veteran and newbie fans alike. The single artist collections associated with the series are well-selected (though Hendrix's is mostly less familiar material) and an excellent way to dive in deeper. The soundtracks are fascinating in their own right. The blues have come around again - don't miss the train this time through.

Reviews of the series and the music are gathered here.