History of Blues

  • The 13th Amendment to the Constitution is Ratified.

    The 13th Amendment to the Constitution is Ratified.
    The 13th Amendment to the Constitution of the United States is ratified, ending slavery once and for all, subsequently jump starting the merging of black folk music into the American public.
  • W.C. Handy discovers the Bluesman.

    W.C. Handy discovers the Bluesman.
    At a Mississippi train station in 1903, musician W.C. Handy overheard a man picking a slide guitar with a knife and adapted his music to be more reminiscent of that sound, and became known as the father of blues.
  • First Blues Hit

    Mamie Smith records the song "Crazy Blues" establishing the term race music in the public as it became an instant hit. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qaz4Ziw_CfQ
  • First Folk Blues Record

    First Folk Blues Record
    The first blues folk music record featuring songs by Papa Charlie Jackson and Daddy Stovepipe, was released sometime in 1924.
  • New Recording Technology!

    New Recording Technology!
    In 1925 the invention of electric recording technology was invented changing blues and music forever.
  • The Great Depression Starts

    The Great Depression Starts
    The great depression starts and effects the nation country immensely and along side the effect it had on day to day life it took a huge tole on the music industry as a whole.
  • The First Electric Guitar

    The First Electric Guitar
    The first electric guitar is introduced and changes everything we knew about blues and music.
  • T-Bone Walker's Electric Experience

    T-Bone Walker implements an electric guitar on his classic "Call it Stormy Monday." https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VAPDJheC0Jk
  • Chicago Blues is Created by Muddy Waters

    Chicago Blues is Created by Muddy Waters
    The first Chicago style blues record by Muddy Waters is released and transforms blues forever by helping the link between urban and delta blues strengthen.
  • R and B is born

    R and B is born
    Rhythm and blues is substituted for the term race music at bill board magazine.
  • B.B. King

    B.B. King releases his first major R & B hit with his cover of the song, "3 O'Clock Blues."
  • Elvis Presley's Debut

    Elvis Presley's Debut
    Elvis Presley releases his debut album bearing his name in march of 1956.
  • British Invasion

    British Invasion
    The invasion of British rock blues band begins with bands like the rolling stones leading the charge.
  • White Fan Base

    Muddy Waters and B.B. King perform at Fillmore east to a predominantly white crowd cementing the idea that blues is for everyone.
  • The Year of The Blues

    2003 is declared the year of the blues.