Tuesday , March 19 2024
Peter Karp & Sue Foley return in a week that sees James Cotton vault to the top and the debut of Eric Clapton...

Blues Power Rankings: James Cotton #1 At Blues Radio; Eric Clapton Debuts In Top 10

It’s only fitting that a Giant Of The Blues would name his album Giant, and if you’ve that kind of ambition you belong at the top of the chart and that’s where harp legend James Cotton finds himself with his latest release from Alligator Records.  Robin Rogers has yet to crack the top spot but continues to hold strong at the #2, continuing to get great radio airplay at blues radio.

The surprise this week for me is Eric Clapton’s latest record charting so well at blues radio.  There is a segment of the blues audience that views Clapton as far too rock and roll and while his work to pay tribute to blues greats is appreciated, his music isn’t universally embraced.  Clapton is a really strong record and there are a couple songs that feature guest harp work from Kim Wilson; if I had to venture a guess, those are the songs getting the most spins on blues stations this week.

Duke Robillard’s Passport to The Blues surged 12 spots back into the Top 5 this week and this week also marks the return of Peter Karp & Sue Foley’s He Said She Said record, one of the best of 2010.  I’m struck as I glance up and down the chart at just how many of these records I’ve gotten to spend time with and fall in love with and how many others I still need to seek out.  This week’s Blues Power Rankings are strong.

Let’s also throw some shoutouts in the direction of Aussie bluesman Claude Hay for entering the charts this week with his Deep Fried Satisfied.

  1. James Cotton – Giant
  2. Robin Rogers – Back In The Fire
  3. Duke Robillard – Passport To The Blues
  4. Davis Coen – Jukebox Classic
  5. Elvin Bishop – Red Dog Speaks
  6. Kenny Neal – Hooked On Your Love
  7. Eric Clapton – Clapton
  8. JJ Grey & Mofro – Georgia Warhorse
  9. The Robert Cray Band – Cookin’ In Mobile
  10. Charlie Musselwhite – The Well
  11. Jimmie Vaughan – Plays Blues, Ballads & Favorites
  12. Albert Castiglia – Keepin On
  13. Mitch Kashmar & The Pontiax – 100 Miles To Go
  14. Ronnie Earl & The Broadcasters – Spread The Love
  15. Steve Miller Band – Bingo!
  16. Dr. John And The Lower 911 – Tribal
  17. The Derek Trucks Band – Roadsongs
  18. Walter Trout – Common Ground
  19. Lucky Peterson – You Can Always Turn Around
  20. Jay Gaunt – Harmonicopia
  21. Claude Hay – Deep Fried Satisfied
  22. JW-Jones – Midnight Memphis Sun
  23. Bob Corritore & Friends – Harmonica Blues
  24. Dave Specter – Spectified
  25. John Butler Trio – April Uprising
  26. Hosea Hargrove – Tex Golden Nugget
  27. Peter Karp & Sue Foley – He Said She Said
  28. Alabama Mike – Tailor Made Blues
  29. Otis Taylor – Clovis People Vol. 3
  30. Peaches Staten – Live At Legends

About Josh Hathaway

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