Origins: Late 19th century, African American communities in the Deep South
Key Characteristics:
- Twelve-bar blues progression (I-IV-V chord structure)
- Blue notes (flattened thirds, fifths, and sevenths)
- Call-and-response patterns rooted in African musical traditions
- Lyrical themes of hardship, love, loss, and resilience
- Use of slide guitar, harmonica, and expressive vocal techniques
Historical Context: The blues emerged from the experiences of formerly enslaved African Americans in the post-Civil War South. Drawing from work songs, field hollers, spirituals, and African musical traditions, the blues became a powerful form of musical expression that documented the African American experience.
Influential Artists:
- Robert Johnson (Delta Blues)
- Muddy Waters (Chicago Blues)
- B.B. King (Electric Blues)
- Bessie Smith (Classic Blues)
- Howlin’ Wolf (Chicago Blues)
Cultural Impact: The blues serves as the foundation for virtually all American popular music, directly influencing jazz, rock and roll, R&B, and countless other genres.