The city's website for Bluesfest has a great historical perspective that details each performer over the years and dates back all the way to 1984.

1984
View a list of performers from the 1984 Chicago Blues Festival.
1985
View a list of performers from the 1985 Chicago Blues Festival.
1986
View a list of performers from the 1986 Chicago Blues Festival.
1987
View a list of performers from the 1987 Chicago Blues Festival.
1988
View a list of performers from the 1988 Chicago Blues Festival.
1989
View a list of performers from the 1989 Chicago Blues Festival.
1990
View a list of performers from the 1990 Chicago Blues Festival.
1991
View a list of performers from the 1991 Chicago Blues Festival.
1992
View a list of performers from the 1992 Chicago Blues Festival.
1993
View a list of performers from the 1993 Chicago Blues Festival.
1994
View a list of performers from the 1994 Chicago Blues Festival.
1995
View a list of performers from the 1995 Chicago Blues Festival.
1996
View a list of performers from the 1996 Chicago Blues Festival.
1997
View a list of performers from the 1997 Chicago Blues Festival.
1998
View a list of performers from the 1998 Chicago Blues Festival.
1999
View a list of performers from the 1999 Chicago Blues Festival.
2000
View a list of performers from the 2000 Chicago Blues Festival.
2001
View a list of performers from the 2001 Chicago Blues Festival.
2002
View a list of performers from the 2002 Chicago Blues Festival.
2003
View a list of performers from the 2003 Chicago Blues Festival.
2004
View a list of performers from the 2004 Chicago Blues Festival.
2005
View a list of performers from the 2005 Chicago Blues Festival.