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Origin of Blues
Blues originated from slaves who came to America from West Africa. The origin of blues, however, is believed began between 1870-1900 -
Blues Singers.
In 1920, Mamie Smith recorded the first vocal blues, which gave female Blue singers preference(at first) over male singers due to their initial success. -
Ma Rainey & Bessie Smith
Although they were both young, Ma Rainey introduced Bessie Smith into the world of Blues. Ma Rainey was a successful blues singer wherever events she would go. Bessie Smith learned from her and soon enough became a great singer herself. As the 20's came along, blues was very popular, and both Bessie smith and Ma Rainey were hired by record labels. Bessie smith was hired at Columbia Record Studio, while Ma Rainey was hired at Paramount Records. Bessie Smith, however, became a hit. -
Folk Blues debut
Ralph Peer made his field recordings in Atlanta, Georgia, making a record for both Folk blues and also a new style of music that would come later on, Country Music. -
First Folk Blues Records.
In 1924, Papa Charlie Jackson issued one of the first male folk blues recorded. He always accompanied himself with a guitar, banjo or an ukulele. He achieved an overnight success and was pioneer. -
New Recording Technology
In 1924, Henry C. Harrison developed a a matched-impedance recorder. which helped improve the frequency range to wider rangers using the microphone, tube amplifier and a specialized speaker. -
Blind Lemon Jefferson.
He was a blues and gospel singer. He was also a song writer. He became popular when Paramount records signed him. He is considered one of the founders of Texas Blues, and a role model in Country Blues. HIs short and brief career inspired B.B King and Bob Dylan. -
Charley Patton
He was an American Delta Blues composer and singer. He is considered to be "The Father of Delta Blues" , because he was the first artist who recorded and sang in this style. . He also recorded and inspired early Mississippi folk blues. He left a legacy of fifty-two songs behind. -
Great Depression
Blues became popular during The Great Depression, especially in rural areas, because of the difficulties that these areas had to face. Although the Great Depression almost destroyed Blues, because there was not enough money for labels to hire singers, many people turned to it to gain comfort from the lyrics and feel the relief the music had on them. -
Robert Johnson
Was an American Blues singer and song writer. He achieved world-wide recognition. He became known as "King of Delta Blues". Although he only recorded twenty-nine songs, he is one of the most studied singers. He was famously known by one legend that stated that Johnson has sold his soul to the devil in the crossroads of Mississippi in exchange for his guitar skills. -
Electric Guitar introduced.
The first electric guitar was designed in 1931 by George Beauchamp , but not introduced until 1933. The introduction of this instrument changed the style of music, and shaped the course to modern music. -
Muddy Waters Recorded.
He is considered to be the "Father of Modern Chicago Blues".He first started recording Delta blues, but with the introduction of the electric guitar in 1933, he gave the music an electric spin. His songs and new style of music influenced bands such as The Rolling Stones. -
"Rhythm and Blues" is Born.
It's abbreviation is R&B, which is popular in today's music. It began after many styles of Blues had been created. R&B came out around the same time as old school rap. They're both huge influences in today's music. -
B.B. King
B.B. King has his major record with his cover of "Three O' Clock Blues" . His cover was his first, and biggest, hit y reaching the top charts in R&B for five weeks. -
The Country Blues published.
It is acknowledged as the first scholarly book published about the study of country blues. It illustrates the different styles of Blues, as well the artists who composed it. It was published by Samuel Charters,
