That album released during the eligibility period that best represents acoustic blues, with featured instruments being acoustic (drums may be included) on over 75% of the tracks.

That artist (whether solo, duo, or group) whose recordings and/or performances best represent acoustic blues during the eligibility period.

The best Blues album in any style released to the public during the eligibility period. (May be an album nominated in another category)

That performer who has best represented and promoted the blues through recordings and performances during the eligibility period.

That group, recording and/or performing as a unit, which best exemplifies blues ensemble playing during the eligibility period.

That blues recording that was released during the eligibility period for an act that has not received a prior Blues Music Award or GRAMMY® award nomination. The age of the artist is not of significance, but this award is intended for an artist who is up and coming within the blues/music scene and is at the “jumping off” point of his or her career. An artist’s album may not be considered in this category if that artist has already had a professional release of more than three prior albums or EPs. (Albums submitted for this category may also be submitted in other appropriate categories.)

That album released to the public during the eligibility period with a majority of songs that best portrays the Rock Blues genre, that hybrid that combines elements of blues with elements of rock, generally employing heavy amplification and driving rhythms, and which may employ non-traditional blues song structures.

That performer, whether male or female, whose recordings and/or performance best portray Blues Rock during the eligibility period.

That album released to the public during the eligibility period that best portrays Blues in which elements other than those traditionally found in Blues are part of the mix, e.g., different rhythms, different harmonies, more elaborate production values, etc., and which may offer a different approach to sounds, lyrics, instrumentation, arrangements, etc.

That female performer whose recordings and/or performances during the eligibility period best portray Contemporary Blues.

That male performer whose recordings and/or performances during the eligibility period best portray Contemporary Blues.

Determined by the Vote of a Special Committee and not open to the General Ballot

Any blues material released within the eligibility period that includes recorded music that is five years or older. This can be collections of re-released material or never before released material that is older than five years. This award is not voted upon by the membership but selected by a small committee of blues academics and experts.

That musician whose skills on the bass, in performance and/or on recordings, best portray the blues during eligibility period.