Congratulations to all of the winners and nominees. Your talent, dedication, and contributions to the blues genre are appreciated and celebrated. From the Blues Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony to an incredible night at the Blues Music Awards, we were honored to celebrate the artists, musicians, industry leaders, and fans who continue to keep this music alive around the world.
– Kimberly Horton, President & CEO of the Blues Foundation
Kansas City BMA representation
WINNER:
Contemporary Blues Female Artist – Danielle Nicole
Instrumentalist – Vocals – Danielle Nicole
NOMINEES:
Acoustic Blues Album: Hudspeth & Taylor, “Kimuziki Live in Des Moines”
Best Emerging Artist Album: Brody Buster, “Redemption”
All 2026 Blues Music Award Winners
B.B. King Entertainer of the Year – Ronnie Baker Brooks
Album of the Year – D.K. Harrell, “Talkin’ Heavy”
Band of the Year – Tedeschi Trucks Band
Song of the Year – “Can’t Catch a Break” Written by Tommy Castro & Christoffer Andersen
Best Emerging Artist Album – Sean McDonald, “Have Mercy!”
Acoustic Blues Album – Doug MacLeod, “Between Somewhere and Goodbye”
Blues Rock Album – Blood Brothers Mike Zito & Albert Castiglia, “Help Yourself”
Contemporary Blues Album – D.K. Harrell, “Talkin’ Heavy”
Soul Blues Album – Johnny Rawls, “Make Them Dance”
Traditional Blues Album – Buddy Guy, “Ain’t Done With The Blues”
International Blues Album – J.T. Lauritsen & The Buckshot Hunters, “Still Be Friends”
Acoustic Blues Artist – Kevin Burt
Blues Rock Artist – Tommy Castro
Contemporary Blues Male Artist – Christone ”Kingfish” Ingram
Soul Blues Female Artist – Thornetta Davis
Soul Blues Male Artist – Curtis Salgado
Traditional Blues Female Artist (Koko Taylor Award) – Eden Brent
Traditional Blues Male Artist – John Primer
Instrumentalist – Bass – Scot Sutherland
Instrumentalist – Drums – Derrick D’Mar Martin
Instrumentalist – Guitar – Derek Trucks
Instrumentalist – Harmonica – Billy Branch
Instrumentalist – Horn – Trombone Shorty
Instrumentalist – Piano (Pinetop Perkins Piano Player Award) – Marcia Ball