1997 Brownie McGhee Koko Taylor Niewykonawcy: Bruce Iglauer
1996 Charles Brown David Honeyboy Edwards Niewykonawcy: Pete Welding Bob Koester
1995 Jimmy Rogers Niewykonawcy: Leonard Chess Phil Chess
1994 Arthur Big Boy Crudup Wynonie Harris Niewykonawcy: Bill „Hoss” Allen John Lomax Alan Lomax John Richbourg Gene Nobles
1993 Champion Jack Dupree Lowell Fulson
1992 Skip James Johnny Shines Big Joe Williams
1991 Sleepy John Estes Billie Holiday Fred McDowell Sunnyland Slim
1990 Blind Blake Lonnie Johnson Bukka White
1989 Clifton Chenier Robert Lockwood Jr. Memphis Slim
1988 Mississippi John Hurt Little Milton Jay McShann Johnny Winter
1987 Percy Mayfield Eddie Taylor Sonny Terry
1986 Albert Collins Tommy Johnson Lead Belly
1985 Chuck Berry Buddy Guy J.B. Hutto Slim Harpo
1984 Big Mama Thornton Hound Dog Taylor Otis Rush
1983 Louis Jordan Albert King Robert Nighthawk Ma Rainey Big Joe Turner
1982 Leroy Carr Ray Charles Big Walter Horton Freddie King Magic Sam
1981 Bobby Blue Bland Roy Brown Blind Willie McTell Professor Longhair Tampa Red