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

Article Author: Josh Hathaway

Josh Hathaway began with Blogcritics in August 2004 and served as writer, and editor and founded the music web site BlindedBySound.com. Follow me on Twitter (http://twitter.com/blindbysound).

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