The origins of what is now referred to as "blues" music dates back to the
1800's. The music was born in the deep south and began as an outlet for
oppressed African Americans. During a time of great prejudice and
enslavement, blacks expressed their torment and angst in musical form.
This emotional release evolved into worldwide known and beloved style of
music that still remains today.
While working in the fields as slaves or in road crews for the imprisoned, blues were born
and learned. For several years, it was only a black oral tradition, but eventually evolved and
brought respect and fame to many blacks.
Blues music was not worldly popularized until the 1910's, when black composer W.C. Handy published
Memphis Blues and St. Louis Blues. The first vocal recording of a blues song was done by
Mamie Smith in 1920 with the song Crazy Blues.
The widespread exposure of the blues came after World War I. The twenties gave birth to the initial
success of the music thanks to singer Bessie Smith. She played a huge role in the life of this music
and paved the way for other musicians to gain fame.
Blues began to move north during the thirties and forties with the migration of blacks from the South.
New artists were emerging, like Muddy Waters, with a different twist on the stylings. The singer and his guitar
became backed up with drums, piano, bass and harmonica. This new style of blues music was referred to as
Mississippi Delta blues.
Among the same time, other musicians were taking the roots of blues tradition and adding jazz style to create
another beloved form of the music. One of the greatest pioneers in this style was B.B. King. He became famous for his
ability to mix the guitar techniques of jazz with the melody and tone of the blues.
In the 1960's, the blues were discovered by young white Americans. Artists mixed blues and rock that
appealed to white Americans.
A reason for the success of blues music is that is doesn't perfectly fit into any defined
form of European music. It is noted for its off key sound and the "bending" of notes. Along with
the sound of the blues, the lyrics are noted to be the most penetrating and intense words in music.
The mix of tone and lyrics create a feel of raw emotion that appeals to the soul of all music lovers.