The Story of the Blues
The blues is a popular music genre today with a long history dating back to the 1860s in the American Deep South. This informative blog will introduce readers to the main characteristics of blues music, the most renowned performers, and songs that have stood the test of time. Lyrics tend to be melancholy, often relating to poverty and failed relationships. Artists to look out for include BB King, Muddy Waters, Robert Johnson, Buddy Guy, and John Lee Hooker. Initially, the main instrument used for blues music was the banjo, but now it's more common to see the use of guitars and pianos.
Bands/Artists Releasing New Albums in 2021
14 Jun 2021
Most blues artists who put off releasing albums during the lockdown have them scheduled for 2021. The bands/artists you should look out for in 2021 include Rival Sons, Eric Gales, Christone 'Kingfish' Ingram, Dan Patlansky, Anthony Gomes, Ariel Posen, Greta Van Fleet, Bluhauz, and Kenny Wayne Shepherd.
The Best Popular Blues Music Hits
8 Jun 2021
The Blues is one of the purest forms of American music. It’s iconic, free-spirited, and innovative. The genre is as varied as the people playing it. There are many blues variations, such as Gospel, Bluegrass, Country, Rock and Roll, and Soul.
The Blues originated in the antebellum south. In the cotton fields of Mississippi, Louisiana, and Texas, growing out of Gospel music and pain. From its original slave roots, it blossomed to change American music forever.
First considered a regional, ethnic sound, it has become an essential part of the music that moves us. As you peruse the list here, consider the impact that these songs have, or had, on American music and other industries.
From movies and video games, the extent of blues knows no boundaries. You may even find that slots in casinos are inspired by the blues. The music genre could even keep your calm and collected when placing bets at your favorite sportsbook. Next time you are wagering online, click here to discover new U.S sportsbooks, and let the blues carry you through the gambles.
The Birth of the Blues
The transition from a regional sound to the mainstream began in 1912. W.C. Handy, a black musician, and composer published the first Blues sheet music that year. Known as the Father of the Blues, Handy brought the Blues from obscurity to the forefront.
In August of 1920, Maime Smith and the Jazzhounds recorded "Crazy Blues''. This was the first of this genre ever recorded. It would not be the last. The music continues to express life, love, and loss and educate the listener.
The Best of the Blues
Compiling a comprehensive list of the best of these songs would be a huge undertaking. Let's look at twenty of my favorite Blues classics and their performers.
- CrossRoads - Robert Johnson/Cover by Eric Clapton
- Boom Boom - John Lee Hooker
- Sweet Home Chicago - Robert Johnson/Cover by The Blues Brothers
- Hoochie Coochie Man - Muddy Waters
- The Thrill is Gone - BB King
- Smokestack Lightnin' - Howlin' Wolf
- CC Rider - Lead Belly/Cover by Elvis Presley
- In the Ghetto - Mac Davis/Cover by Elvis Presley
- Sitting on the Dock of the Bay - Otis Redding
- Nobody Knows When You're Down and Out - Bessie Smith
- Red House - Jimi Hendrix
- Mustang Sally - Wilson Pickett
- Tell Mama - Etta James
- Life by the Drop - Stevie Ray Vaughan
- Midnight Special - Lead Belly
- (Don't It Make My) Brown Eyes Blue - Linda Ronstadt
- Minnie the Moocher - Cab Calloway
- Statesboro Blues - The Allman Brothers
- My Heads in Mississippi - ZZ Top
- The Sky Is Crying - Stevie Ray Vaughan
We feel compelled to add one more song to this list: Walking in Memphis. It’s a homage to the genre by Marc Cohn. The song highlights the Blues, its history, and the impact on American music.
Best Blues Guitarist of All Time
3 May 2021
From Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, and Chuck Berry to Chet Atkins and B.B. King, the blues genre has produced some of the most exemplary figures in the guitar industry. Did I mention Charlie Christian and Robert Johnson? The list can go on and on.
The Best Blues Hits in 2021
1 Apr 2021
More than an entire century and a half since its inception, blues continues to be a major music genre worldwide. What is Real, Below Sea Level, The Corner, Living in a Burning House, Alafia Moon, Tribute, Ashes, Brotherhood, and Containment Blues are among the hits topping blues charts in 2021.