Critics’ Poll
Blues Artist of the Year (Male)
Bobby Rush
Blues Artist of the Year (Female)
Rhiannon Giddens
Most Outstanding Blues Singer
William Bell
Most Outstanding Musician (Guitar)
Lurrie Bell
Most Outstanding Musician (Harmonica)
Billy Branch
Most Outstanding Musician (Keyboard)
Henry Gray
Most Outstanding Musician (Bass)
Bob Stroger
Most Outstanding Musician (Drums)
Cedric Burnside
Most Outstanding Musician (Horns)
Big Jay McNeely
Most Outstanding Musician (Other)
Jerron “Blind Boy” Paxton – Banjo
Best Live Performer
Bobby Rush
Comeback Artist of the Year
William Bell
Artist Deserving More Attention
Bruce “Mississippi” Johnson
Best Blues Albums of 2016
Album of the Year
Lurrie Bell – Can’t Shake This Feeling – Delmark
New Recordings / Contemporary Blues
Toronzo Cannon – The Chicago Way – Alligator
New Recordings / Southern Soul
William Bell – This Is Where I Live – Stax
New Recordings / Best Debut
Anthony Sherrod &
