Blues Music Overview

Overview

This lecture explores the origins, characteristics, influential artists, social impact, and exploitation issues of blues music, emphasizing its role in African American culture and American music history.

Origins and Development of Blues

• The blues originated in the Deep South, blending African musical traditions with Western instruments like guitar.
• Blues music emerged as a way for African Americans to express both sorrow and joy during and after slavery.
• The Mississippi Delta is considered the birthplace of the blues.
• Blues evolved from field hollers and individual expression after the abolition of slavery.

Musical Characteristics of the Blues

• Blues features call-and-response patterns, initially vocal, then later with instruments.
• The blues scale modifies the major scale, introducing "blue notes" (lowered 3rd, 5th, and 7th degrees).
• The standard 12-bar blues progression uses I, IV, and V7 chords in a fixed pattern.
• Blue tonality includes bending pitches for emotional expression.

Styles and Regional Variations

• Rural (Delta) blues was typically solo, with guitar or banjo, exemplified by Robert Johnson.
• Urban styles like Chicago blues added electric instruments, drums, and bass.
• Memphis and Detroit also developed distinct urban blues sounds.
• Boogie-woogie, a piano-based blues style, features a driving "eight to the bar" left-hand pattern.

Influential Blues Artists

• W. C. Handy: "Father of the Blues," documented and promoted blues music.
• Mamie Smith: First black female blues recording artist, helped popularize the genre.
• Ma Rainey: "Mother of the Blues," among the first professional blues singers.
• Bessie Smith: Influential blues singer with unique vocal style.
• Blind Lemon Jefferson: Known for unique vocal-guitar phrasing and field hollers.
• Clarence "Pine Top" Smith: Originator of boogie-woogie piano style.
• Willie Dixon: Prolific songwriter, arranger, and producer who could read music.
• Muddy Waters: Defined the Chicago blues sound with his slide guitar and vocals.
• Stevie Ray Vaughan: Modern blues guitarist known for his electric style.

Social and Cultural Impact

• Blues music played a role in racial integration by popularizing black musicians among white audiences.
• Medicine and minstrel shows mixed blues and country music, fostering limited interracial collaboration.
• The Great Migration brought blues to northern cities, shaping urban blues.

Exploitation of Blues Musicians

• Early blues artists were often exploited by record companies, paid only flat fees without royalties.
• African American musicians rarely received financial rewards for their work, despite generating significant profits for companies.

Key Terms & Definitions

• Call-and-response — A musical conversation between two phrases or performers.
• Blue notes — Pitches in the blues scale that are bent or lowered for expressive effect.
• 12-bar blues — A chord progression using I, IV, and V7 chords over twelve measures.
• Boogie-woogie — A blues piano style with a repetitive, driving left-hand bass pattern.
• Delta Blues — Rural blues style from the Mississippi Delta with sparse instrumentation.

Action Items / Next Steps

• Review key 12-bar blues progressions and practice identifying blue notes.
• Listen to recordings by artists mentioned to recognize different blues styles.
• Compare blues call-and-response with other traditions for homework.