Magic Sam

He may not have lived long enough to create a large catalog, but Magic Sam still stands as the defining voice of Chicago's West Side. His vocals were loud, smooth and powerful, whether he was bellowing with a deep roar or moaning for his woman's forgiveness. His guitar playing remains one of the most distinct, piercingly personal blues styles: bright and staccato, with no sustain or sting, a deep soul ringing through its fully trebled glory. He often threw in bursts of rhythm-twisting repeated notes and short, minimalist bends before sliding up the neck to the higher realms of the instrument. His album West Side Soul is a gritty, influential classic, excellent from start to finish, just like Sam's fiery licks and full-chested vocal wails.