The blues have been an important part of New Orleans music since the earliest years of the 20th century. Buddy Bolden's band was noted for playing blues before 1906, and white bands are documented as playing the blues here at least by 1908. New Orleans jazz is heavily inflected with the blues, as exemplified by Louis Armstrong.

The phrase New Orleans blues is sometimes used to refer to a type of blues or Rhythm and Blues music that is characterized by extensive use of piano and horn sections, complex rhythms and celebratory lyrics. The lazy, plodding rhythms are perhaps most distinctive of all of Louisiana blues.

Artists in this style include:

See also: music of Louisiana