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One of the first documented Blues songs is written.
W.C. Handy’s Mr. Crump, which was later named Memphis Blues, was written in 1909. -
Period: to
The Blues
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Memphis Blues is published
In 1912, Mr. Crump, or Memphis Blues, was published to paper. -
Blues changes with "Crazy Blues"
In 1920, Mamie Smith's "Crazy Blues" changed the normalcy of strictly instrumental music. -
Beale Street became the spot for Blues musicians to launch their career
In the early 1920's, Beale Street became a spot for blues performances and aspiring musicians. -
Columbia Records signs an African-American Blues artist
Bessie Smith was signed and recorded by Columbia Records in 1923. She even developed a fan base of whites. -
Folk Blues Debuts
Ralph Peer makes his first recordings in Atlanta, Georgia, marking the start Folk Blues. -
The Great Depression
The Great Depression begins which severely effects the sale and advertisement of music. -
Robert Johnson begins his career
Robert Johnson, a Delta blues musician, begins his recording career -
After World War I
Military mobilization created chances for people to travel and promote their music. -
B.B. King has his first hit
The blues song, "Three O'Clock Blues" is transformed into a hit -
Blues Rock
The blues style, Blues Rock, is formed -
British Blues Rock Spreads
The Rolling Stones spread the British Blues to America as they began to perform concerts. -
Blues Reaches out
Muddy Waters and B.B. King performed a concert to a predominantly white audience. -
Blues Revival
Artists such as Joe Jackson and Brian Setzer bring revived the blues in the 1980's. -
Year of the Blues
Congress declared 2003, the 100 year anniversary since W.C. Handy discovered the funky beat, the Year of the Blues.
