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Delta Blues Originates
Delta blues starts in the Mississippi Delta region, characterized by its emotional, raw vocals, slide guitar techniques being introduced, and lyrics reflecting the struggles of African Americans in the South. -
The Great Migration
Millions of African Americans started the "migration," where they moved from rural South to urban areas in the North, bringing their music, which included of blues, to a newer setting of area, people which caused an influence to the development of urban blues styles. -
W.C. Handy Publishes "St. Louis Blues"
"St. Louis Blues" by W.C. Handy is one of the first blues compositions to achieve national publicity and popularity, where they've helped to introduce blues music to a wider audience and shaping its early development. -
First Blues Recordings
The 1920s started to see the first commercial recordings of blues music, including artists like Mamie Smith, Blind Lemon Jefferson, and Ma Rainey, which led to an increased recognition of the genre. -
Bessie Smith's Recording Career
Bessie Smith, known as the "Empress of the Blues," becomes one of the most popular blues singers of the 1920s and 1930s, where she recorded numerous hits and paving the way for future generations of blues artists. -
Robert Johnson's Recordings
Robert Johnson's recordings for the Vocalion label in 1936-1937, including songs like "Cross Road Blues" and "Hellhound on My Trail," become examples of Delta blues, influencing generations of musicians. -
Birth of Chicago Blues
In the 1940's, Chicago blues arose as a distinctive style, which was characterized by amplified instruments, urban-struggle themes, and influences from jazz, rhythm, and blues, shaping the future of blues music overall. -
Electric Blues Revolution
In the 1950's, there was a witness of the rise of electric blues, where artists like Howlin' Wolf, B.B. King, and T-Bone Walker changed the use of electric guitars, starting a revolution to the sound of blues music. -
Muddy Waters Records "Rollin' Stone"
Muddy Waters' recording of "Rollin' Stone" marks an important moment in blues history, influencing the development of rock and roll and inspiring and aspiring artists like The Rolling Stones, who took their name from the song. -
Formation of Chess Records
Chess Records, which was founded in Chicago in 1950 by Leonard and Phil Chess, becomes one of the most influential record labels in blues history, including recording artists like Muddy Waters, Howlin' Wolf, and Chuck Berry. -
The Rise of Urban Blues
Urban blues, characterized by its electrified sound and themes of urban life with day to day struggles, rises to recognition in cities like Chicago and Detroit during the 1940s and 1950s, influencing the development of rhythm and blues and rock music. -
The British Blues Boom
The British Blues Boom of the 1960s shows British bands like The Rolling Stones, The Yardbirds, and Led Zeppelin accepting the blues music, introducing it to a new generation of listeners and cultures, influencing another bigger development towards the rock music. -
Blues at Newport Folk Festival
The inclusion of blues artists like Muddy Waters and Son House at the Newport Folk Festival in 1965 helps to gain popularity in blues music among mainstream audiences and create its place in American music history. -
The Blues Foundation Established
The Blues Foundation is established in Memphis, Tennessee, with a mission to preserve and promote blues music through educational programs, awards, and events, contributing to the ongoing recognition and appreciation of the genre. -
The Blues Hall of Fame Opens
The Blues Hall of Fame, operated by the Blues Foundation, opens its doors in Memphis, Tennessee, honoring blues musicians, producers, and industry professionals, and celebrating the rich history of blues music.