The moment a blues guitar bends its first note, you feel it in your bones. It’s raw. It’s real. It speaks when words fall short. At Armadillo Records, we celebrate the legends who turned strings into soul, and we honor their legacy with our 24k gold-plated collector records—true tributes to the music that shaped generations.
If you’re building a blues vinyl collection or hunting for timeless sound, these are the albums to own—recordings that capture the brilliance of the best blues guitarists ever to plug in and play.
B.B. King – Live at the Regal (1965)
B.B. King didn’t just play the blues—he embodied them. Live at the Regal delivers a masterclass in emotion and control. Every note Lucille (his guitar) sings on this record feels like a direct line to King’s soul. It’s essential listening and a cornerstone of any serious collection.
Stevie Ray Vaughan – Texas Flood (1983)
Stevie Ray Vaughan stormed onto the scene like a thunderclap. Texas Flood brings fire, finesse, and fearless solos that defined ’80s blues-rock revival. From “Pride and Joy” to the title track, Vaughan proves why he belongs on every list of the best guitarists in history.
Robert Johnson – King of the Delta Blues Singers (1961 compilation)
You can’t talk blues without Robert Johnson. His haunting recordings from the 1930s, compiled posthumously in this groundbreaking release, influenced everyone from Clapton to The Rolling Stones. Johnson’s raw Delta sound still echoes through modern music, making this one of the most important albums to own.
Albert King – Born Under a Bad Sign (1967)
Albert King’s massive tone and laid-back groove flipped the script on blues guitar. This album introduced a generation to heavy riffs and soulful leads. King’s influence on Clapton, Hendrix, and Vaughan is crystal clear—owning this on vinyl is like owning a blueprint for modern blues.
Buddy Guy – Damn Right, I’ve Got the Blues (1991)
Buddy Guy proved blues could evolve without losing its roots. On this Grammy-winning album, he teams up with Jeff Beck, Eric Clapton, and Mark Knopfler, bridging generations with blistering tone and fearless expression. It’s a modern must-have for any vinyl collection.
Why These Albums Still Matter
Blues isn’t just a genre—it’s a foundation. These artists didn’t just play guitar; they created language with it. They told stories of heartbreak, redemption, rebellion, and survival. Their music shaped rock, soul, funk, and hip-hop. And when you hold one of their records—especially in a gold-plated collector edition—you’re holding history.
Build Your Blues Vinyl Collection with Armadillo Records
At Armadillo Records, we believe music legends deserve more than just shelf space—they deserve to shine. That’s why we stock exclusive 24k gold-plated collector editions of iconic blues albums. Whether you’re honoring B.B. King or discovering Robert Johnson for the first time, we’ve got the gold that tells the story.