Blues music may not be the first genre that comes to mind when you're planning your wedding playlist, but it's a powerful and soulful genre that can bring incredible emotion and a unique vibe to your big day.
From slow, romantic ballads perfect for a first dance to upbeat, high-energy tracks that will get your guests moving, the blues has a song for every moment.
In this post, I've curated a list of blues songs that are perfect for your wedding, covering everything from classic hits to new discoveries. Let's dig in and find the perfect rhythm for your celebration.
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Blues Wedding Songs
A Sunday Kind Of Love - Etta James
1960 - A slower tempo song that will have guests singing along while the meal is being served.
Ainât No Sunshine - Bill Withers
1971 - A soulful track that will have heads bobbing and singing the lyrics during a dinner set.
All Your Love (I Miss Loving) - Otis Rush
1959 - A mid-tempo song that has a loud blues guitar that would fit nicely into a themed cocktail hour playlist.
At Last - Etta James
1960 - One of the greatest love songs of all time. I have seen this played during wedding ceremonies as a processional song and for a first dance song.
Baby What You Want Me To Do - Jimmy Reed
1959 - A classic blues track that will bring the blues vibe into any setlist to set the blues mood.
Bad To The Bone - George Thorogood & The Destroyers
1982 - One of the great party songs of all time for rock and blues fans.
Blue on Black - Kenny Wayne Shepherd
1997 - There is so much emotion in this track. This could be added to any blues dinner playlist. It did reach mass appeal on mainstream radio, so many guests will be familiar with the song.
Boogie Chillen - John Lee Hooker
1948 - One of the great classic blues songs that would fit nicely into a blues cocktail hour playlist with an older crowd or diehard blues fans will appreciate.
Boots on the Ground - 803Fresh
2024 - This track is a very popular line dance song. A must-play during many reception dancing times.
CHA-CHA - Mr Dont Leave
2025 - A new blues song that promotes a cha cha swing line dance.
Come Together - Gary Clark, Jr.
2017 - I had to include Clark Jr. on this blues playlist. This is his most popular song, but it is loud and explosive. However, it is a familiar tune originally released by the Beatles.
Ex's & Oh's - Elle King
2015 - This is a fun and upbeat song you can play as a track for dancing.
Feels Like Rain - Buddy Guy Feat Bonnie Raitt
1993 - I love this song with two iconic artists. This would make for a beautiful first dance song or any other romantic moment.
Give Me One Reason - Tracy Chapman
1995 - If you have an extended dance set and want to slow things down, but not all the way to a slow song, this track is a winner. It is a hidden gem.
Got My Mojo Working - Muddy Waters
1957 - Any blues-themed set must include Muddy Waters! This is an upbeat track to play as guests arrive at the reception to let them know it will be a fun night.
Gravity - John Mayer
2006 - Mayerâs expert guitar playing comes through on this slow track to play during dinner time, and conversations are a priority.
Hook - Blues Traveler
1995 - A mid-tempo song to play during a blues-themed cocktail hour that brings modern blues into the set.
I Can't Get Enough of Lovin' You - The Vintage Explosion
2025 - A beautiful song to play for a first dance. You can also play it during your wedding ceremony.
I Just Want to Make Love to You - Muddy Waters
1954 - This is a perfect afterparty song to set the mood as the honeymoon begins.
Iâm In The Mood - John Lee Hooker Feat Bonnie Raitt
1989 - When you think of blues, the vibe of this song fits perfectly. You can play as part of a cocktail hour that will have everyone groovinâ to the beat.
Iâm A Man - Bo Diddley
1955 - Diddleyâs most-streamed song on Spotify will inject classic blues into any wedding theme.
Iâve Got A Woman - Ray Charles
1958 - I love this song as the doors open, as guests arrive at the reception for an older crowd. You can play as a party hit, too.
Johnny B. Goode - Chuck Berry
1958 - One of the greatest songs of all time. You can play as a party song or as a cocktail track with a fast beat. It was also featured in the 1985 film Back to the Future.
Juke - Little Walter
1952 - This is an instrumental track if you need to set any wedding moment to a song, like cutting the wedding cake.
Keep on Steppin - Mike Clark Jr
2025 - If you are looking for a line dance song, keep this song in your modern line dance crate!
Lay Down Sally - Eric Clapton
1977 - An upbeat song to play for any cocktail hour. It is also a great song to two-step to during dancing.
Life Is Beautiful - Kebâ Moâ
2006 - This is just a feel-good song that will put a smile on your face. You could play this as a unique prelude song or a reception starter.
Love Me Like A Man - Bonnie Raitt
1972 - I love this track for a blues-themed set, whether that be for a cocktail hour or dinner set.
Mustang Sally - Wilson Pickett
1966 - A great dancing party starter to get guests on the dance floor.
Nothinâ But Your Love - Christone "Kingfish" Ingram
2025 - A slow and romantic song for a slow dance during your wedding reception.
Pride and Joy - Stevie Ray Vaughan
1983 - This is the most versatile song on the list, as I have seen it as a first dance, parent-child dance, and as a party song.
Rollinâ and Tumblinâ - Canned Heat
1967 - A great classic blues song to play to keep the mood happy and fun as guests arrive at the reception or a themed cocktail hour.
Run-Around - Blues Traveler
1995 - This is the bandâs most popular song and will keep people dancing during a 90s-themed dance set.
(Sittin' On) The Dock of the Bay - Otis Redding
1968 - This is a classic sing-along song that has stood the test of time and will have everyone dancing in their seats, too.
Smokestack Lightning - Howlinâ Wolf
1956 - A classic blues track that defined the era that fits into a blues-themed cocktail hour with a rolled-cigar kind of vibe.
Somethingâs Got a Hold on Me - Etta James
1962 - This is a fun party song, and up to you when you want to play during the reception. Keep in mind that Avicii sampled it in his âLevelsâ hit song and âGood Feelingâ by Flo Rida.
Soul Man - Blues Brothers
1978 - This is the ultimate late 70s party song that is still relevant today for party crowds.
The House is Rockinâ - Stevie Ray Vaughan & Double Trouble
1989 - A hard blues-rocking party song for those who just want to let loose and dance out of their minds.
Whatâd I Say? - Ray Charles
1959 - This upbeat track makes for a great mood setter as guests arrive at the reception, letting everyone know this is going to be a fun party.
You Are My Sunshine - B.B. King
2009 Live Recording - This is a wedding-appropriate song for two people in love in the blues genre. Itâs a great sing-along with commentary that will need editing out for a dinner set.
Do you have a favorite blues song to play at weddings? Please let me know down in the comments or reply to this email.
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Matthew Campbell
Wedding MusicLetter