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Texas
The early 1900's was the time when blue's music became very popular in Texas. It could be found almost anywhere, especially any place that had black workers. -
Discovery of the Blues
W.C Handy "discovered" the Blues on a train platform in Tutwiler, Mississippi in the unusual guitar licks of a passing traveler. -
Instrumental
The blues recorded during the 1910s were strictly instrumental. But that all changed with the release of Mamie Smith's "Crazy Blues" in 1920. -
Howlin' Wolf
Also known as Chester Arthur Burnett. He was know for not only being a great performer but for also loosing himself in the power of music and letting it flow uninhibitedly through his voice. Wolf sand many songs including, "Smokestack Lightnin'," "Moanin' at Midnight," "Evil," "Killing Floor"and "Shake for Me" -
Mamie Smith
Mamie Smith'a album " Crazy Blues" changed the was blues music was written forever. Before her album, the only blues music that was played was instrumental. She was the first to introduce lyrics into it. -
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Beal Street
Beale St. remained a hub for black culture and music. Beale St.'s influence on the culture and music of the area increased in October 1948 when Memphis radio statio WDIA began broadcasting programming aimed solely at the black community. -
B.B King
Also known as Riley B. King. His music career has spanned over a total of 5 decades. He is known as the king of blues. He has influenced countless blues and rock artists, including Buddy Guy, Jimi Hendrix, Jimmy Page, Eric Clapton, Johnny Winter and Jeff Beck -
Lead belly
Also known as Huddie William Ledbetter. Not only was hhis voice so profound, he was able to get off of probation twice. Lead Belly inspired many of the artists we know today, like Bob Dylan . -
Koko Taylor
Known as the "Queen of Chicago Blues" When she began singing with bands, she was not only a strong female singer but she could hold her own with many strong male singers as well. For example Muddy Waters, and Howlin' Wolf. -
Big Mama Thornton
Also known as Willie Mae Thornton. She started her professional singing career at age 14, touring the South with Hot Harlem Revue. Her singing career continued her entire life until her death in 1984 -
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Jump Blues
As the Big Band era faded, economic hardship forced many bands to downsize into smaller combos. As the dance-oriented Big Band sound adopted basic 12-bar blues structure, an upbeat, more danceable form of blues emerged. -
Eric Clapton
Also known as Eric Patrick Clapp. He has influenced many known blues artists including Muddy Waters, B.B King, and Robert Johnson. He is the only three-time inductee to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Once for his solo career and two other times for his participation in the bands, Yardbirds, and Cream. -
Blue's Revival
The blues scene in Great Britain began to build momentum in the late 1940s and early '50s, when songster Lead Belly, blues legend Lonnie Johnson, and, in 1951, Bill Broonzy performed there. -
Jeff Beck
Beck is an innovative master of electric guitar and as such he has been idolized by other guitarists for decades. Beck took his initial place in British rock by joining the Yardbirds as Eric Clapton's replacement. He later formed his own group called The Jeff Beck Group. -
Blues Rock
This style was directly influenced by the Delta and Chicago Blues. Young white musicians copied the lyrical styling and high energy of the earlier players, and cranked up both the volume and beat.
