The November 2025 Living Blues Radio Chart delivers a reassuring message to longtime blues devotees: the real deal still resonates. With Roomful of Blues’ *Steppin’ Out* claiming the top spot, we’re witnessing a validation of authentic, hard-swinging blues that refuses to compromise or chase trends.
Roomful of Blues has spent decades perfecting their craft—that propulsive, New England-bred jump blues sound that channels the spirit of legends like Joe Turner and counts among its ranks some of the most accomplished horn players in modern blues. Their chart dominance speaks volumes in an era when blues radio could theoretically favor flashier, more commercially polished offerings. Instead, listeners are gravitating toward genuine musicianship and the unmistakable energy that only comes from bands who’ve paid their dues in clubs and theaters across America.
The presence of Buddy Guy at number two with *Ain’t Done with the Blues* offers its own powerful statement. Guy, now in his late eighties, continues to prove that the blues legend archetype isn’t merely a nostalgic fixture but an active, vital force. His willingness to keep recording and performing—to refuse the rocking chair—sets a profound example for younger generations while validating what his fans have always known: you can’t fake the kind of authority Guy brings to every note.
What’s particularly encouraging is seeing the chart recognize established artists without overlooking emerging talent. The inclusion of Christone “Kingfish” Ingram (whose entry is truncated in the summary) represents the crucial next generation of blues carriers. Kingfish has already demonstrated a rare combination of technical brilliance and stylistic authenticity, bridging traditional blues vocabulary with contemporary relevance without diluting either.
This chart snapshot matters because it reflects listener priorities in real-time. Radio charts don’t lie about what people actually want to hear—and November’s results suggest blues audiences remain committed to substance over style, tradition over trends, and genuine expression over manufactured excitement.
For those following the pulse of contemporary blues, these rankings offer encouragement. The blues ecosystem still rewards artists who respect the tradition while bringing their own vision to it. Whether you’re a longtime listener or newly discovering these artists, November’s chart is an excellent entry point: three acts representing different eras and approaches, unified by their commitment to authentic blues expression.
The blues continues forward, and these three releases remind us why that matters.
