From B.B. King to Zeppelin: The 10 Albums That Shaped Joe Bonamassa's Musical Journey

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Blues-rock virtuoso Joe Bonamassa recently shared the ten albums that shaped his musical journey, offering a fascinating glimpse into the influences that molded one of today's most respected guitarists.

Bonamassa, who has been at the forefront of blues-rock for over two decades, describes certain albums as "pre/post records" - those that fundamentally changed how musicians approach their instruments. While humbly excluding himself from this category, he acknowledges his own influence on younger guitarists, noting the surreal experience of 30-year-olds telling him they learned guitar from his records.

His list begins with B.B. King's "Live at the Regal" (1965), which Bonamassa purchased at age seven alongside Steve Morse's "The Introduction" (1984). These two contrasting albums established his desire to blend blues with technical prowess.

Jeff Beck's "Truth" (1968) introduced him to British blues, while John Mayall's "Blues Breakers with Eric Clapton" (1966) showcased the legendary "Beano" tone that launched countless Les Paul sales. Rory Gallagher's "Irish Tour '74" (1974) demonstrated raw, blue-collar rock and roll.

Stevie Ray Vaughan's "Texas Flood" (1983) makes the list as what Bonamassa considers the biggest "B12 shot" for blues music, making everyone "want a Strat again." Eric Johnson's "Ah Via Musicom" (1990) revolutionized guitar tone, while Gary Moore's "Still Got the Blues" (1990) opened European markets for blues-rock.

Rounding out the selection are Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young's "Déjà Vu" (1970), which sparked his interest in acoustic guitar, and Led Zeppelin's self-titled debut (1969), which Bonamassa describes as "a blues record with bad intentions."

These albums represent more than just personal favorites - they mark pivotal moments in guitar music history, showcasing the evolution of blues and rock through the decades.