The Blues
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The origins of the Blues are
uncertain. It is believed that the
Blues developed in the southern
Unites States after the Civil War.
Some of the influences upon Blues
include church music, slave work
songs and chants and minstrel-show
music. Blues instruments include the
human voice, banjo, piano,
harmonica, guitar and perhaps a
saxophone. Blues music reflected
the struggle and hardships the African
Americans suffered during the times
of slavery. Blues music dates back to
the 1890s and 1900s. An early work
was W.C. Handy’s “Memphis Blues”
published in 1912, was important to
the popularity of Blues. After this the
blues became very popular and many
Tin Pan Alley songs began to
incorporate the blues sound.
uncertain. It is believed that the
Blues developed in the southern
Unites States after the Civil War.
Some of the influences upon Blues
include church music, slave work
songs and chants and minstrel-show
music. Blues instruments include the
human voice, banjo, piano,
harmonica, guitar and perhaps a
saxophone. Blues music reflected
the struggle and hardships the African
Americans suffered during the times
of slavery. Blues music dates back to
the 1890s and 1900s. An early work
was W.C. Handy’s “Memphis Blues”
published in 1912, was important to
the popularity of Blues. After this the
blues became very popular and many
Tin Pan Alley songs began to
incorporate the blues sound.
A song in 1920 by Mamie Smith called “The Crazy Blues” was very successful.
Bessie Smith was also a successful blues singer and referred to as the “Empress of the
Blues.” The blues genre not only includes instrumental accompaniment but vocals.
Blues songs are lyrical and express emotions instead of attempting to tell stories. The
theme of problems in love is often included in the lyrics of blues songs with sadness
the prominent emotion. There are African influences in blues tonality such as the
call and response pattern, repeated refrain structure, falsetto break in the vocal style,
and the use of instruments (e.g. , the harmonica) to imitate voices.
Bessie Smith was also a successful blues singer and referred to as the “Empress of the
Blues.” The blues genre not only includes instrumental accompaniment but vocals.
Blues songs are lyrical and express emotions instead of attempting to tell stories. The
theme of problems in love is often included in the lyrics of blues songs with sadness
the prominent emotion. There are African influences in blues tonality such as the
call and response pattern, repeated refrain structure, falsetto break in the vocal style,
and the use of instruments (e.g. , the harmonica) to imitate voices.
The Great Depression and the two world
wars led to many blacks leaving the
South and migrating to northern cities.
The blues music then evolved into a
more sophisticated urban feel. The
blues ensemble developed as the soloist
was joined by a pianist, harmonica
player.
The blues became established in a
variety of cities: Atlanta, Memphis, St.
Louis, and Detroit, and Chicago.
Chicago became the most important
center for urban blues with performers
such as Memphis Minnie, Tampa Red,
Big Bill Broonzy, and John Lee “Sonny
Boy” Williamson. After World War II a
new group of blues players arrived on
the scene including Muddy Waters,
Chester Arthur Burnett, Elmore Jones,
and Little Walter Jacobs.
wars led to many blacks leaving the
South and migrating to northern cities.
The blues music then evolved into a
more sophisticated urban feel. The
blues ensemble developed as the soloist
was joined by a pianist, harmonica
player.
The blues became established in a
variety of cities: Atlanta, Memphis, St.
Louis, and Detroit, and Chicago.
Chicago became the most important
center for urban blues with performers
such as Memphis Minnie, Tampa Red,
Big Bill Broonzy, and John Lee “Sonny
Boy” Williamson. After World War II a
new group of blues players arrived on
the scene including Muddy Waters,
Chester Arthur Burnett, Elmore Jones,
and Little Walter Jacobs.
Wall Street Blues
W.C. Handy, "Father of the Blues"
W.C. Handy, "Father of the Blues"
Backwater Blues
Bessie Smith
Bessie Smith
