My Top Ten Blues Guitarists

This is not a definitive list, but I love blues guitar and have done a lot of listening and thinking to put this list together.  Factors I consider include technical skill, originality, intensity/emotion, quality and uniqueness of tone/sound, influence on others, awesomeness, and probably several more I can't think of right now.  For each guitarist I have listed three songs I would recommend you listen to if you want to hear why I think they are great.  Feel free to comment with your own thoughts on the best blues guitarists.

Update (6/2017): The list below is what my list looked like several years ago.  Since then, I have completed my list of the 100 Best Guitarists of All Time.  Check out that list to get an idea of what my ranking would be today with the added context of guitarists from other genres.

1.  Stevie Ray Vaughan
Rude Mood
Texas Flood
Voodoo Chile (Slight Return)

2.  Buddy Guy
I've Got News for You
Blues at My Baby’s House
I Smell a Rat

3.  Robert Johnson
If I Had Possession over Judgment Day
Rambling on My Mind
Crossroad Blues

4.  T-Bone Walker
T-Bone Blues
How Long Blues
Tell Me What’s the Reason

5.  Lightnin’ Hopkins
Baby Please Don’t Go
Mojo Hand
Coffee Blues

6.  Mississippi Fred McDowell
Meet Me Down in Froggy Bottom
When the Saints Go Marching In
Good Morning Little Schoolgirl

7.  Jimmy Thackery
Lickin’ Gravy
Jimmy’s Rude Mood
Roy’s Bluz

8.  Son House
Pearline
Death Letter Blues
Levee Camp Moan

9.  Ronnie Earl
Thank You Mr. T-Bone
Blues for the West Side
Rego Park Blues

10.  B.B. King
Sweet Sixteen
Worry, Worry
Gambler’s Blues