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In 1912, W.C. Handy published some of the first blues songs, including "Memphis Blues"
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The first big blues hit was "Crazy Blues" recorded by Mamie Smith in 1920
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The advent of electrical recording equipment was in 1925. Blues is transmitted to a much wider audience.
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Blind Lemon Jefferson's success brought more popularity to blues.
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Blind Willie Johnson blurred the lines between blues and gospel.
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Charley Patton influenced many up-and-coming blues musicians.
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Huddie Ledbetter, known as Leadbelly, was the first blues singer to perform for white audiences. It was a big deal.
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Robert Johnson records for the first time in San Antonio, Texas.
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Muddy Waters was recorded for the first time in 1941.
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Arthur "Big Boy" Crudup records "That's Alright Mama".
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In 1954, Elvis Presley recorded Arthur Crudup's song "That's Alright Mama", which made blues a lot more popular.
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In 1961, Robert Johnson's songs were released on LP. It was critical in the popularity of blues outside America.
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Eric Clapton and the Yardbirds recorded blues songs in 1963. The blues become mainstream in Europe.
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John Hurt, thought dead by most, is found alive in Mississippi. He does a tour the same year.
