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Blues took root on the cotton plantations in the Deep South. It has since become a voice of resilience.
Born from the work songs and field hollers of slaves, blues was first brought to the attention of non-African Americans in the works of bandmaster W.C. Handy in the 1900’s. The audience had never experienced music of such personal nature in a public arena until then. And since it had been adapted to “white” sensibilities, it found a wider resonance. Blues had become a quintessential part of American life.
Built around a twelve-bar structure, its call-and-response pattern builds a narrative of the audio drama for the listener. Its often gritty nature makes the music “real”.
Blues is a cultural artifact, instrumental in shaping gospel, jazz, soul, rhythm and blues, rock and roll, and hip hop music. A testament to its honesty and ability to evolve.
Timeline