33. Muddy Waters
Muddy Waters, born McKinley Morganfield in 1913 in rural Mississippi, honed his craft playing Delta blues within his community. Venturing to Chicago in his mid-20s, he showcased and recorded his music, blending his raw southern blues roots with the polished Chicago sound. Regarded as one of the paramount blues artists, his profound influence on modern music remains immeasurable. The Rolling Stones drew inspiration from his 1950 track “Rollin’ Stone,” and Jimi Hendrix acknowledged him as a pivotal figure.
32. Tom Petty and Mike Campbell
Tom Petty, renowned as the frontman of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, showcased his guitar prowess; however, one cannot discuss Petty without acknowledging Mike Campbell, the Heartbreakers’ own guitar virtuoso. Notably, in Petty’s debut solo album, “Full Moon Fever,” Campbell takes the lead in delivering most of the mesmerizing solos.