What's Blues?

Blues music is a genre that emerged in the late 19th century in the African American communities of the Southern United States. It is characterized by its melancholic and soulful melodies, simple harmonic structures, and often improvised lyrics that express the struggles and sorrows of everyday life.

Blues music has its roots in African musical traditions that were brought to America by slaves during the 18th and 19th centuries. These musical traditions included call-and-response singing, polyrhythmic drumming, and the use of pentatonic scales. Over time, these African musical traditions began to blend with European musical forms, such as hymns, ballads, and minstrel songs, to create a new musical style that would eventually become known as blues.

The earliest recorded examples of blues music can be traced back to the 1890s, when African American musicians in the South began to play the blues on homemade instruments such as guitars and banjos. These early blues musicians were largely itinerant workers who would travel from town to town, playing for tips and performing at local parties and dances.

The first commercially successful blues recording was made in 1920 by Mamie Smith, a singer from Harlem, New York. Her song, "Crazy Blues," sold over 75,000 copies in its first month of release, signaling the beginning of a new era for blues music.

During the 1920s and 1930s, blues music continued to grow in popularity, with many blues musicians traveling to urban areas in the North, such as Chicago and Detroit, to perform in clubs and record for record labels. Some of the most notable blues musicians from this era include Bessie Smith, Blind Lemon Jefferson, and Robert Johnson.

During the 1940s and 1950s, blues music began to evolve and incorporate new elements, such as electric guitars and amplifiers. This new style of blues, known as electric blues, was characterized by its loud, distorted guitar sound and driving rhythms. Some of the key figures in this era of blues music include Muddy Waters, Howlin' Wolf, and B.B. King.

In the 1960s, blues music began to influence other genres, such as rock and roll and soul music. Many rock and roll bands, such as The Rolling Stones and Led Zeppelin, were heavily influenced by the blues, and many blues musicians, such as Buddy Guy and John Lee Hooker, began to gain new audiences among young white listeners.

In the 1970s and 1980s, blues music continued to evolve and diversify, with new sub-genres such as blues-rock, soul blues, and Texas blues. Many notable blues musicians from this era include Stevie Ray Vaughan, Albert King, and Etta James.

Blues music has evolved over time and has given birth to various subgenres that have influenced other musical styles. Here are some of the subgenres of blues music:

Delta Blues

This subgenre of blues music originated in the Mississippi Delta region and is characterized by its raw, stripped-down sound. Delta blues musicians typically used acoustic guitars and often played in open tunings. Some notable delta blues musicians include Robert Johnson, Charley Patton, and Son House.

Chicago Blues

This subgenre of blues music originated in Chicago during the 1940s and 1950s and is characterized by its electric guitar sound, amplified harmonica, and driving rhythms. Chicago blues musicians often played in small clubs and bars on the city's South Side. Some notable Chicago blues musicians include Muddy Waters, Howlin' Wolf, and Buddy Guy.

Texas Blues

This subgenre of blues music originated in Texas during the early 20th century and is characterized by its heavy guitar sound and strong shuffle rhythm. Texas blues musicians often used amplified guitars and were known for their virtuosic playing. Some notable Texas blues musicians include Stevie Ray Vaughan, T-Bone Walker, and Freddie King.

Jump Blues

This subgenre of blues music originated in the 1940s and is characterized by its up-tempo beat, horn sections, and swinging rhythm. Jump blues was influenced by swing music and was popular among dancers. Some notable jump blues musicians include Louis Jordan, Wynonie Harris, and Big Joe Turner.

Soul Blues

This subgenre of blues music combines elements of soul music with traditional blues. Soul blues musicians often use horns, organs, and backing vocals, and their lyrics often focus on love and relationships. Some notable soul blues musicians include Bobby "Blue" Bland, Little Milton, and Etta James.

British Blues

This subgenre of blues music emerged in the 1960s and was heavily influenced by American blues musicians. British blues musicians, such as The Rolling Stones, Cream, and Led Zeppelin, helped introduce blues music to a new audience and played a major role in the development of rock music.

Contemporary Blues

This subgenre of blues music includes modern blues musicians who continue to explore and expand upon the traditional blues sound. Contemporary blues musicians often incorporate elements of rock, soul, and funk into their music. Some notable contemporary blues musicians include Gary Clark Jr., Keb' Mo', and Susan Tedeschi.

Today, blues music continues to be a vital and influential genre, with many contemporary artists continuing to explore and expand upon the rich history and tradition of blues music. Some of the most notable contemporary blues musicians include Gary Clark Jr., Keb' Mo', and Susan Tedeschi.