I've discovered the blues.... and can't stop loving it!

These last few weeks I've been having a bit of success learning to play the guitar. But a few days ago I saw the movie "Black Snake Moan", and it totally inspired me to learn how to play blues. That's all I've been practicing on, making up my own blues songs. Unfortunately I don't really know any blues artists, other than bit of Jimi Hendrix's stuff and some B.B. King.
But I LOVE it! It's just the greatest stress reliever there is, and all I can do is make up my own stuff which is just fine. There's just... something about the blues, especially playing the blues, that takes a miserable feeling and turns it into something that's just damn satisfying. Makes me feel better every time. I've found my new addiction.

So that being said, can anybody recommend some good blues? Keeping in mind I'm very particular about it. I love the genre, but only every so often can an artist do it the way I like. B.B. King and Jimi Hendrix's guitar style are awsome, for instance. But I hate it when they throw in trumpets, harmonica's, and all that extra jazz. I just love hearing the guitar!

Any suggestions?

eric clapton
john mayer
muddy waters

Susan Tedeschi
Stevie Ray Vaughn
Buddy Guy
Albert King
Albert Collins
John Lee Hooker

Stevie Ray Vaughn.......

Mahavishnu Orchestra, more fusion than blues, but if you like hearing wicked guitars, that's where you should start.

i don't listen to much blues but howlin' wolf is awesome. Son House's " Death Letter" is also a good song

Hound Dog Taylor
Albert Collins

All the above and check out Tyrone Davis song "Sugar Daddy" and Theodis Ealey song "Stand Up In It", I love the blues even down to Same and Dave..:jointsmile:

you would be a fool not to get Maggot Brain by Funkadelic eddie hazel is a damn fine guitarist way better than hendrix imo.
His solo albums are pretty good too, i would start with 'Games Dame & Guitar Thangs'.

At the very least check out this video YouTube - Eddie Hazel 1979
oh man he is so fucking good.

i took a history of rock n roll class in community college this year, and we learned a lot about the blues influence.. love it