Top 15 Jazz & Blues Vinyl Records Every Collector Needs

Few genres capture the heart and soul of music like jazz and blues. From smoky jazz clubs to Mississippi blues stages, these timeless sounds laid the foundation for nearly every genre we know today. For vinyl lovers, nothing compares to experiencing jazz and blues on warm analog records—the way they were meant to be heard.

If you’re building or expanding your collection, here are the top 15 jazz and blues vinyl records every collector needs.

1. Miles Davis – Kind of Blue (1959)

Arguably the most important jazz vinyl record of all time. With tracks like So What and Blue in Green, this modal masterpiece is a must-own for every collector.

2. John Coltrane – A Love Supreme (1965)

A spiritual and deeply personal work, Coltrane’s A Love Supreme remains one of the greatest jazz albums ever pressed on vinyl.

3. Louis Armstrong – Louis Armstrong Plays W.C. Handy (1954)

Armstrong’s trumpet and charisma shine on this tribute to blues composer W.C. Handy. A perfect bridge between jazz and blues vinyl records.

4. Billie Holiday – Lady in Satin (1958)

A haunting, emotional record that showcases Holiday’s raw vocal power. Essential for any jazz and blues vinyl collection.

5. Robert Johnson – King of the Delta Blues Singers (1961)

This compilation introduced the world to Johnson’s legendary blues recordings. It’s one of the most influential blues vinyl albums of all time.

6. Muddy Waters – At Newport 1960

An electrifying live album that captures Muddy Waters’ energy at its peak. A cornerstone of any blues vinyl record collection.

7. B.B. King – Live at the Regal (1965)

Often cited as one of the greatest live blues albums ever recorded, this pressing belongs in every collector’s library.

8. Duke Ellington – Ellington at Newport (1956)

This album revitalized Ellington’s career and remains a must-have jazz vinyl record that captures his big-band brilliance.

9. Charlie Parker – Bird and Diz (1950)

Featuring Charlie Parker and Dizzy Gillespie, this is a bebop classic every jazz collector should own.

10. Howlin’ Wolf – Moanin’ in the Moonlight (1959)

A raw, powerful blues album featuring iconic tracks like Smokestack Lightning. Essential listening for blues fans.

11. Thelonious Monk – Monk’s Dream (1963)

The first album Monk recorded for Columbia Records, filled with his signature improvisational genius.

12. John Lee Hooker – Burnin’ (1962)

Featuring Boom Boom, this album helped cement Hooker as one of the greatest bluesmen of all time.

13. Ella Fitzgerald & Louis Armstrong – Ella and Louis (1956)

This collaboration blends Fitzgerald’s smooth vocals with Armstrong’s gravelly charm. A joyful and timeless jazz vinyl record.

14. Sonny Rollins – Saxophone Colossus (1956)

A hard-bop classic showcasing Rollins at his best. Widely considered one of the most important jazz saxophone albums ever recorded.

15. Eric Clapton – Unplugged (1992)

Though more modern, this Grammy-winning album is steeped in blues tradition. A must-have for collectors looking to bridge classic and contemporary blues on vinyl.

Why Jazz & Blues Shine on Vinyl

There’s something magical about hearing the warm analog tones of a saxophone riff or a blues guitar lick on vinyl. Unlike digital files, vinyl preserves the atmosphere of smoky clubs, concert halls, and historic recording sessions.

• Jazz vinyl records highlight the dynamic range of improvisation.

• Blues vinyl albums capture the raw grit and soul of the genre.

• Collectors value both genres for their historical importance and timeless artistry.

Where to Find Jazz & Blues Vinyl

Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned collector, you’ll find countless treasures in these genres. At STMedia, we specialize in rare, exclusive, and limited edition vinyl records, including classic jazz and blues albums.

• Browse jazz vinyl records to expand your collection

• Discover blues essentials on vinyl

• Find colored and splattered editions for collectors seeking something unique

👉 Explore our full collection of jazz and blues vinyl records today.

From Miles Davis to Muddy Waters, these top 15 jazz and blues vinyl records are more than albums—they’re cultural milestones. Every collector should own at least a few of these essential pressings.

Whether you’re just beginning your collection or looking to add rare gems, jazz and blues on vinyl will always deliver soul, history, and pure musical joy.