Blues from the 50s/60s/70s

I just started buying lp's at local stores, on ebay and when i travel. I asked a friend and he gave me some labels to look for. I do a lot of reserach on the web. The fun is in the hunt and the research.

labels

chess
cadet
arhoolie
delmark
alligator
okeh

If I were to pick one to start with, I would go for Muddy Waters 'Folk Singer.'

I agree, and the Chess records version has amazing sonics, better than most MFSL records I have (from other artists).

Sadly, a lot of great early performer's recordings are not exactly hi fidelity, such as Blind Willie Johnson. These are still worth having and great listening though.

Jorsan here are a few i love to listen to on vinyl.
Any of Bobby Blue Blands lps.
The Blues Brothers Soundtrack is a pure pleasure of sound and blues
Any of Clarence Gatemouth Browns lps.
Canned Heat plays the blues just fine.
Theres a issue of lps called Chicago The Blues Today a variety of Bands and singers good blues music.
Eric Claptons Blues World, Me and Mr. Johnson, Riding with the king.
Any James Cotton lp very good blues music.
Jimi Hendrix Blues on MFSL
Any of the Kings Albert, BB, Freddy,
You already know this Led Zepplen 1 2 3
John Mayhall plays the blues for sure any of them
Delbert Mcclinton does the blues
Early Fleetwood Mac is pure blues
Good luck and enjoy Dem Blues

I really appreciate this post. I'm in the same boat, starting to collect blues. It has been much harder going, finding good sounding blues recordings as opposed to finding good sounding jazz, which seems to be far easier. I was lucky enough to find a best of Lightnin' Hopkins with very nice sound. Also, Jimmy Reed at Carnegie Hall. Also, an Etta James Tell Mama original pressing sounds good, although more like soul than blues, perhaps. I've bought about 15 other blues LPs from my local stores and they are just terrible as far as sound quality goes, and not cheap. Crem1...I don't think the community on Audiogon is large enough to pump up market prices for such LPs, if that is what you are worried about. However, I would add that Crem1 has contributed exceptionally helpful posts in general, especially regarding steam cleaning - Mark

I want to give a second (strong) vote for Howlin' Wolf, especially his early recordings. you might find 70's compilations on vinyl (Chess esp.) for not too much $.

I'd also add Lowell Fulsom to the list - hot stuff!