Seeing that about 90% of what's here has some kind of connection with the blues, it's kind of sad that very few albums actually have the "blues" tag, and of those R.L. Burnside represented a less traditional and largely undiscovered scene (until the 1990's anyway). Meanwhile Sonny Boy Williamson (the second one) and others were heavily exploited and largely uncredited in the 1960's British Invasion and subsequent blues boom later in the decade. Some were too deceased to protest, and others just plain had no recourse to say anything to stop their music from being pilfered. Williamson's approach was a little different in that he actively worked with the British bands (namely the Animals and the Yardbirds). When this compilation of recordings, dating from 1957 to 1962, was released to show the world the blues pre-dated the Beatles, Stones, and all of the others, Williamson had already passed away the prior year.
Williamson's compositions and performances have ended up on myriad releases by rock artists. Most notably from this particular set is "One Way Out" (Allman Brothers Band), "Checkin' Up on My Baby" (John Mayall, Tommy Bolin), and "Bring It On Home" (Led Zeppelin, Dave Brock/Hawkwind). Even the songs that don't immediately jump out have readily recognizable riffs and licks incorporated into numerous rock songs transcending subgenres.
Another compilation (More Real Folk Blues) followed from Chess in 1967, a part of their series of same-titled compilations for various blues statesmen, and the same holds true with that set. My particular CD has both short albums on a single disc.
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