Forgot about Keri. I've got a CD of hers (No Beginner) that is really good. I've heard some of Rory Block's music, but never bought any.I like some of the older stuff like Ella, Sarah, and Nina. But again, have never went out and actually bought any.
When I was growing up the only music I was exposed to was of my own choosing or what my aunt was playing. My family hardley ever had any music playing that I remember. My aunt who is 8 years older than me introduced me to the Stones, Floyd, Styx, Eagles, Hendrix, Beatles, Van Halen, etc.... I in turn introduced her to AC/DC, Metallica, Rush, and the like. I listened to the harder stuff for years by buying cassettes because the only two local radio stations played country and 80's pop..yuck!!!! Then I remember hearing my first Steve Vai song and that was it--went guitar only for a few years. All the "see how fast I can wank stuff", although Vai is still one of my favorites. Then I heard Stevie Ray for the first time and it was blues. Starting with Texas blues progressing back to Chicago blues and some stuff from across the pond like Mayall. I've never been able to really get into Delta Blues to much. I appreciate it, but I like the distorted guitar thing --more balls I guess.
Now in the last 6 months or so I've started listening to classical, a little jazz, and some of the music I've previously ignored. I've had some jazz guitar stuff. Like I said I like DiMeola, had some Scofield, and listened to some of Maclaughlin's music, but not enough to know it. I've reached the point I want to start expanding a little farther that just straight ahead, freight train heavy riffs.