1.) Billie Holiday- I find that she was an absolutely beautiful woman, with a peircing voice, that could go straight to your soul. I love how classic she was, and I can find so many things in common with her. She is by far one of my most favorite people!
2.) Son House- another person whose voice goes straight to
my heart, the words are beautiful in his songs, and his face is so full of emotion when he sings his songs. I respect the musician who is not afraid to show pain in front of others.
3.) Skip James- his guitar skills sound so basic until you look at the progression's and notice how complex his music really is, considering his time period. He was one of the first musicians to really impress me and his voice really touches and note with me.
4.) Lonnie Johnson- Love his words to his songs, they are all so deep and full of meaning. Actually a lot of the styles of music that I play were based on his music; because they were so progressive and fun to play.
5.) Janis Joplin- come on, me and bobby mcgee, another peice of my heart, son of a preacherman, summertime blues.... she was awesome... and I love her strength, and how much she overcame..well sorta :D. Her voice certainly strikes a note with me, because she was just RAW strength.
6.) Jimi Hendrix- he's always been one of my favorite musicians, not particularly because of his talent (which was also quite good) but because he was REVOLUTIONARY. No one could ever compare to him and he is still considered one of the best musicians of all time.
7.) Etta James- Her voice is strong, and its ashame to me how her life has been; she was so beautiful to me. And she had such control over her voice.
8.) Little Walter- yeah I know, but I love his voice, and as cheezy as he was, his voice gives me shivers every time I listen to him.

I've noticed with my favorite musicians that I go after troubled people. Often because they show no fear of letting others know. If they had not had so many problems they would never have been as talented. :D