Rocking Blues Christmas Songs 2024

By Martine Ehrenclou

With the holidays fast approaching, it’s time to spruce up your holiday season with these contemporary rocking blues Christmas tunes. These are rarely overplayed, and you’ll never get sick of them. No time to create your own playlist? I’ve made a Spotify playlist for you below. It will certainly get your fire going even if it’s cold outside. Besides, you can’t go wrong with the outstanding musicians.

And if you’re so inclined, add your favorite blues holiday songs in the comment section below so your friends can add yours to their playlists. Which songs are your favorites?

I hope you enjoy. Happy Holidays!

Christone Kingfish Ingram, “Ghost From Christmas Past”
Grammy Winner, Christone Kingfish Ingram’s song is a blues rocking scorcher. “Ghost From Christmas Past” tells a tale of love gone wrong. Playing some emotionally blistering guitar, his voice couldn’t be more soulful. Written by Tom Hambridge and Richard Fleming, the song is sure to brighten your holiday.
More info here

Keb’ Mo’, “Merry Merry Christmas”
One of my favorites from Keb’ Mo’s album Mistletoe & You, a must have album, and not just for the holidays. It features several tracks that can be played all year long. Besides, Keb’ Mo’ is a legendary artist with four Grammy Awards and more to his name. One of his gifts is his soulfulness, but also his positive outlook that offers a sense of hope and warmth.
More info here

Joe Bonamassa, “Lonely Christmas Eve”
Blues rock great Joe Bonamassa recently released this new holiday contemporary blues staple. Infused with Bonamassa’s signature guitar prowess and soulful vocals, “Lonely Christmas Eve” captures the spirit of the season while offering a fresh addition to his growing Christmas music collection. Co-written with James House
More info here

Paul Nelson Band, “Christmas Tears”
This rocking’ tune features the late Paul Nelson (Grammy winning guitarist for Johnny Winter) Morten Fredheim on vocals, Chris Alexander on bass, Chris Reddan on drums., Mike Dimeo on keys. A favorite for the holidays.
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B.B. King, “Merry Christmas Baby”
A classic by B.B. King from his album, A Christmas Celebration of Hope, released in 2001. It’s Mr. King’s 39th studio album and peaked #1 on the Billboard’s Top Blues Albums chart. Produced by King himself, the album earned him two Grammy Awards.

Tommy Emmanuel, “Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree”
A one-of-a-kind guitarist, Tommy Emmanuel puts his superb finger picking stamp on this classic. The album features Tommy on guitar, Pat Bergeson on guitar/harmonica, Annie Sellick on vocals, and John Knowles, CGP on guitar. Tommy always has the best time performing and that’s part of the joy he spreads regardless of the time of year. A Grammy Award winner and certified guitar player, Emmanuel wins the heart of everyone who hears him.
For more info here

Samantha Fish, “Run Run Rudolph”
This Christmas classic is reimagined by Fish with a modern, soulful twist, and makes a great addition to your holiday playlist. Fish is a beloved singer, songwriter and guitarist, known for her electrifying live shows. The blues rock multi award-winner has recently joined Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Zakk Wylde, and Taj Mahal on the Experience Hendrix Tour and previously performed at Eric Clapton’s Crossroads Guitar Festival.
More songs and info here

Shemekia Copeland, “Stay a Little Longer, Santa”
One of the most powerful vocalists of our time, Copeland is a 15-time Blues Music Award winner and eight-time Grammy Award nominee. The daughter of blues legend Johnny Copeland, she’s known for her fearless, deeply soulful music that enthralls as well as enlightens.

Mike Zito, “All I Got For Christmas Is The Blues”
Label owner, multi–Blues Music Award winner Mike Zito is one of the most lauded artists in contemporary blues today. A wildly talented guitarist, singer, songwriter and producer, his latest album Life Is Hard made it into the ‘Rock & Blues Muse Top 20 Albums of 2024.’
For more info see here

Eric Clapton, “White Christmas”
It wasn’t until 2018 that Clapton, 55 years into his career, released Happy Xmas, his first holiday album. Happy Xmas is more than just a fine holiday album, which it definitely is, it’s also a welcome addition to E.C.’s peerless collection, and the Christmas album we didn’t know we wanted.
For more info see here