Yes, I agree about Leadbelly. Fantastic though he was I don't think he's really a blues singer in the sense of the others.
And much as I love Willie McTell, and am constantly astounded by his using a slide on a 12-string, I think if I had to add one more to that list it would be Skip James. He was just so extraordinary and complex and emotive. Some of those early sides were spine-tingling with his minor-tuned guitar and spooky high voice.
I've heard that he was somewhat bitter in later years as he felt he had never been sufficiently appreciated as a musical genius on par with Mozart which is how he regarded himself. And when I listen to some of those intricate arrangements I sometimes wonder if he wasn't right. Also, a helluva piano player, again unique and astounding (check out "If You Haven't Any Hay Get On Down The Road" for an amazing early piano blues).
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