Joe Bonamassa Extends Blues Albums Record, Ruling With ‘Rory’ Concert Set: ‘Live Drives the Sense of Urgency & Creativity’

The Spirit of Rory: Live From Cork becomes his 31st leader.

Joe Bonamassa

Kit Wood

Joe Bonamassa tops Billboard’s Blues Albums chart for a record-furthering 31st time with the July 4 chart debut of The Spirit of Rory: Live From Cork, his tribute to Irish blues guitar legend Rory Gallagher.

Bonamassa pads his wide lead for the most No. 1s since Blue Albums began in 1995; he first ruled the ranking in 2002. Kenny Wayne Shepherd is in second place with 13, followed by Eric Clapton, Tedeschi Trucks Band (12 each) and B.B. King (10).