11.1 The blues: origins, structure, and influence on popular music

Blues music emerged from African American experiences in the South, blending African traditions with American influences. It developed from work songs and spirituals, evolving into a distinct genre in the late 19th century with its iconic 12-bar progression and expressive blue notes.

Blues had a profound impact on popular music, shaping rock, jazz, R&B, and beyond. Key artists like W.C. Handy, Ma Rainey, and Robert Johnson laid the foundation, while later legends like Muddy Waters and B.B. King helped spread its influence worldwide.

Origins and Development of the Blues

Origins and development of blues

Top images from around the web for Origins and development of blues

• 

  Introduction | US History I (AY Collection) View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Origins of the blues - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  BUNDLE: AFRICAN-AMERICAN MUSIC STUDY: Slavery - Mid 1900's (POWER-POINT Edition) View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Introduction | US History I (AY Collection) View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Origins of the blues - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 3

Top images from around the web for Origins and development of blues

• 

  Introduction | US History I (AY Collection) View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Origins of the blues - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  BUNDLE: AFRICAN-AMERICAN MUSIC STUDY: Slavery - Mid 1900's (POWER-POINT Edition) View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Introduction | US History I (AY Collection) View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Origins of the blues - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 3

• African musical traditions shaped call-and-response patterns, polyrhythms, and improvisation in blues
• Slavery in American South birthed work songs, field hollers, and spirituals as precursors to blues
• Post-Civil War emancipation and migration spurred development of sharecropping system influenced blues themes
• Late 19th century saw emergence of blues as distinct genre, blending ragtime and folk music elements
• Early 20th century witnessed rural blues flourish in Mississippi Delta and urban blues thrive in Memphis and Chicago

Characteristics of blues style

• Musical structure built on 12-bar blues progression, AAB lyrical pattern, and use of blue notes (flatted 3rd and 7th)
• Lyrical themes explored personal hardships, love, social injustice, and everyday life experiences
• Guitar techniques incorporated slide guitar, fingerpicking, and bent notes for expressive sound
• Piano styles featured boogie-woogie and walking bass lines, adding rhythmic drive
• Harmonica utilized cross harp technique and overblowing for distinctive blues sound

Influence and Key Artists

Blues influence on popular music

• Rock and roll adopted blues-based chord progressions, guitar-driven sound, and blues scales
• Jazz incorporated blues form, improvisation techniques, and influenced bebop and cool jazz styles
• R&B embraced blues vocal styles, progressions, and instrumentation
• Soul music drew from blues' emotional intensity and chord structures
• Hip-hop sampled blues recordings and borrowed storytelling approach

Key blues artists and contributions

• W.C. Handy, "Father of the Blues," popularized and published blues compositions
• Ma Rainey, "Mother of the Blues," pioneered professional blues performances
• Robert Johnson's legendary guitar skills and songwriting influenced generations of musicians
• Muddy Waters electrified Delta blues and helped define Chicago blues sound
• B.B. King's guitar virtuosity and showmanship made him a global ambassador for blues music
• Stevie Ray Vaughan revitalized blues in 1980s with fiery guitar work and soulful vocals