The nominees for the 2025 Blues Music Awards have been announced, and several outstanding artists have earned well-deserved recognition for their contributions to the genre. The prestigious awards will be presented on May 8, 2025, in Memphis, Tennessee.
Sue Foley, the acclaimed Ottawa-born blues guitarist and vocalist, has been nominated for Traditional Blues Female Artist of the Year and Acoustic Blues Album of the Year for her stunning work One Guitar Woman. A deeply personal tribute to the female pioneers of guitar, the album showcases Foley’s mastery of acoustic blues and her dedication to honoring the legacy of trailblazing musicians who paved the way for generations to come.
The Fabulous Thunderbirds & Steve Strongman have earned a nomination for Blues Rock Album of the Year for Struck Down. Co-written and co-produced by Strongman alongside the Thunderbirds' frontman Kim Wilson, the album features Strongman’s signature guitar work, powerful songwriting. This latest release cements the band’s legacy while infusing a fresh and electrifying blues-rock sound.
Duke Robillard, the legendary guitarist and torchbearer of traditional blues, has been nominated for BB King Entertainer of the Year and Traditional Blues Album of the Year for his record Roll With Me. His ability to blend vintage blues influences with modern sensibilities has made him a standout figure in the blues world for decades.
Eric Bibb, the globally celebrated blues troubadour, has secured a nomination for Acoustic Blues Artist of the Year. Known for his soulful storytelling and folk-blues fusion, Bibb continues to be a voice of wisdom and authenticity in the genre.
Kim Wilson, the iconic harmonica player and frontman of The Fabulous Thunderbirds, has once again been nominated for Instrumentalist – Harmonica, a testament to his incredible skill and impact on blues music.
These nominations highlight the continued excellence and innovation within the blues genre, celebrating artists who remain dedicated to keeping the blues tradition alive while pushing it forward.
