If there was any doubt that Alligator Records is still the beating heart of contemporary blues, the 2026 Living Blues Awards just settled the argument. In its just-released issue #303, Living Blues magazine announced this year’s Critics’ and Readers’ Poll winners, and five Alligator artists walked away with a combined six honors. Not a bad afternoon at the office.

Leading the pack is GRAMMY-nominated powerhouse Shemekia Copeland, who pulled off the rare double, winning both the Critics’ Poll and the Readers’ Poll for Blues Artist of the Year (Female). When both the critics and the fans agree, you know something is going right, and Copeland’s continued run of fearless, socially conscious blues shows no signs of slowing down.

The night’s biggest breakout belongs to D.K. Harrell, whose Alligator debut, Talkin’ Heavy, took home Album of the Year in the Critics’ Poll. For a first release on the label, that is a statement of intent, one part reverence for tradition, one part young-gun swagger. Do yourself a favor and dig into the record here: https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=D.K.+Harrell+Talkin+Heavy

Memphis-bred Southern Avenue kept their momentum rolling, named Blues Band of the Year by the Critics’ Poll. Their genre-blurring mix of blues, soul, and gospel has been winning over both purists and newcomers, and this nod cements them as one of the most vital bands working today.

Louisiana treasure Marcia Ball claimed the Readers’ Poll Award for Most Outstanding Musician (Keyboard), a well-deserved tip of the hat to a career built on rollicking piano, sharp songwriting, and a stage presence that could power a small city. Rounding out the sweep is Kenny “Beedy Eyes” Smith of The Cash Box Kings, who took the Critics’ Award for Most Outstanding Musician (Drums), further proof that the pocket he holds down is one of the deepest in the business.

Six awards, five artists, one label. The Living Blues Awards are peer- and fan-voted recognition that cuts through the noise, and this year’s results are a clear reminder that Alligator Records continues to shape the sound and future of the blues.

Congratulations to Shemekia Copeland, D.K. Harrell, Southern Avenue, Marcia Ball, and Kenny “Beedy Eyes” Smith, and cheers to Living Blues magazine for keeping the tradition alive. Now stream the winners, catch them on tour, and hear for yourself why the blues is very much alive and kicking in 2026.