The blues: one of the most soulful genres in American music history. It moves us, it speaks to us, it unites us. But where did the blues come from? And how did it rise to become the iconic sound that we know today? Today, we take a journey back in time to explore the fascinating roots of the blues and discover the origin of this heartfelt musical expression.
1. Telling the Tale of the Blues
The Blues is an American musical genre born out of the African American experience of oppression, toil, and heartache. Its unifying themes reflect the struggles of African American life, from poverty and suffering to resilience and joy.
The blues was born in the Mississippi Delta region, where African American work songs echoed under an oppressive sun. It found its influence in slave spirituals, gospel music, and minstrelsy. Over time, the distinct genre of the blues evolved, with its own distinct notation, lyrical style, instrumentation, and feel.
The songs themselves remain a testimony to the soul of the African American experience. Unforgettable tunes, such as Robert Johnson’s “Sweet Home Chicago,” Ma Rainey’s “See See Rider,” and BB King’s “The Thrill is Gone,” speak to the joys and sorrows of everyday life.
- The blues is built on a 12-bar progression
- Common instruments include guitar, drums, harmonica, piano, and bass
- Blues lyrics are often poetic story-songs, grounded in experiencing life’s joys and sorrows
- It’s a cornerstone of American music and has influenced genres from jazz to rock & roll
2. Exploring the Roots of Historic Musical Expression
It is no secret that music has long been a form of expression and entertainment throughout myriad cultures and civilizations throughout history. And while most know of the modern forms of popular music, the roots of historical musical expression are often overlooked.
For example, centuries ago the violin was one of the most popular instruments to create music with. Like most instruments the harmonious sounds produced by the violin were structured according to melody, rhythm and chords. Other string instruments such as the lute and harpsichord also had a large presence in making historic music. As did wind instruments such as horns, wooden flutes, and shawms, which were used to accompany singing in ancient churches.
Additionally, the process of notation enabled many composers to transcribe their compositions into physical form. This enabled those aforementioned pieces to endure for generations. Notation also helped to create complex musical pieces, such as early Baroque, Classical and Romantic era music.
Taking a journey back in time, one will find that many cultures have a long history of using music as an expression and form of entertainment. From slow and haunting pieces such as Irish folk music, to the raucous energy of Spanish Flamenco, to the grandeur of grand organs in cathedrals, to the solemnity of African call and response styles, you can hear the stories of multiple generations and cultures in a single piece. In essence, historical musical expression is the key to unlocking rich and diverse stories over the centuries.
3. Discovering the Soulful Sound of the Blues
If soulful music is your kind of thing, the blues are sure to satisfy. Combining sorrowful melodies with easy-going rhythms, blues has been around for more than a hundred years, and it’s still going strong.
At its core, the blues is a style of African American music that speaks of the day to day struggles of regular people. It’s no surprise, then, that throughout history, many blues songs were devoted to working-class themes, like labor and poverty.
The blues is one of the most influential musical genres of all time. It provided an essential foundation for early Jazz, Rock and Roll, and Country. After all, many of the early rock and rollers got their start in blues bands.
So how do you discover the soulful sound of the blues? Here are a few great places to start:
- Listen to old blues records. Hit the record store and pick up some classics like Muddy Waters and Howlin’ Wolf.
- Go to a blues festival. There are dozens of blues festivals throughout the year and you’re sure to find a great show.
- Explore YouTube. Check out popular blues channels like Piedmont Blues Club and Red Dog Music for some classic tunes.
No matter how you choose to experience the blues, it’s sure to leave a lasting impression.
4. Following the Path of Blues from Its Beginnings to the Present Day
The path of blues is one of the most enchanting journeys in music. Starting with the African spirituals of the past and continuing into the electrified blues rock and blues rap of the present, it has evolved in many directions. Yet, the soul of blues remains the same since its inception.
From the very beginning, the structure of blues has depended entirely on improvisation. Each verse follows an AAB pattern, with four lines of lyrics. Every time a blues artist interprets a classic, like Robert Johnson’s “Crossroads”, they add their own subtle originality and character.
One of the most notable contributions to the blues was the development of the electric guitar. During the 1940s and 50s, Chicago blues innovators such as Muddy Waters and B.B. King used electric guitars to begin a new era of blues. The electrified blues sound still persists today, even in the most modern of blues artists.
To keep up with the changing times, blues evolved into the blues rock of the 1960s, featuring up-tempo rhythms, driving bass, and electric guitar. Since then, it has branched off into many styles including blues punk, blues rap, and hard rock blues. Each genre adds its own nuances to the traditional structure to create something entirely new and exciting.
- African Spirituals – the beginnings of blues
- Electric Guitars – a definitive addition to classic blues sound
- Blues Rock – a modern, up-tempo twist
- Blues Rap – an unexpected blend of hip hop and blues
From its roots in the spirituals of the past to the varied forms of blues we hear today, the path of blues is an ever-evolving entity that epitomizes the power of great music.
The history of the blues is lined with a rich culture of stories, hardships, struggles, resilience and determination. Whether it be wailing harmonicas in a room full of revelers or more recent star-studded performances on the stage, the expression of the blues informs the emotion and heart of the musical masters of today and the pioneers of the past. It’s an endless cycle of inspiration. Dust off your shoulder and feel the blues!
