Reddit reviews The Definitive Collection

For a beginner, the best choices are

1. B. B. King - The Ultimate Collection
   http://www.amazon.com/Ultimate-Collection-B-B-King/dp/B0007QJ1PM/
   It's a recent release, notes are VERY easy to pick out, aren't frustratingly hard, but just challenging enough (especially his vibrato) to keep you coming back
   
   
2. Albert King - Born Under a Bad Sign
   http://www.amazon.com/Born-Under-Sign-Albert-King/dp/B00BCMT4RA/
   Everything I said about BB, I can say about Albert. The difference is that he "worries" every note in a way that will teach you how to "feel" a solo.
   
   
3. Howlin Wolf - The definitive Collection
   http://www.amazon.com/Definitive-Collection-Howlin-Wolf/dp/B000O5905M
   Jimi Hendrix said that Hubert Sumlin was his favourite guitar player. Indeed, I'd say his rhythm guitar playing is unmatched especially in how he works in fills.
   
   These should give you an excellent foundation in blues licks. After that, move on to
   
   
4. Freddie King - Ultimate Collection
   http://www.amazon.com/Ultimate-Collection-Freddie-King/dp/B00005B2XZ
   
   
5. Magic Sam - West Side Soul and Black Magic
   http://www.amazon.com/West-Side-Soul-Special-Magic/dp/B004B3PBEC
   http://www.amazon.com/Black-Magic-Sam/dp/B000004BIP
   
   
   When you can play all of that, note for note, you will likely be my favorite guitarist :)

Old, new, or doesn't matter?

Edit: Start with these:

Cafe R&B

Buddy Guy

Pinetop Perkins

Muddy Waters

Howlin Wolf

B.B. King

Jonny Lang