The "Father of Delta Blues" personally inspiring just about every Delta blues man. You can hear his recordings at Wikipedia

An important early Delta blues performer. Recorded in 1931 with a group called the New Orleans Nehi Boys, and first time in Memphis in 1928. Later became a preacher uninterested in blues career.

Huddie Ledbetter or Leadbelly. "Where Did You Sleep Last Night", "Gallis Pole", "Western Plain", "Looky Looky Yonder", "Take this Hammer", "Linin' Track", "Julie Ann Johnson", "Take this Hammer".