Dobro

History of the Blues in US 1850- 1940

  • Period: to

    US Railroad construction

    Black workers sing 'hollars' that contribute to blues.
    Box cars offer transportation to poor musicians.
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Lz-whY0vWo
  • Period: to

    The Irish (Great) Potato Famine

    Mass exodus from Ireland to the United States brings Celtic music to the Blue Ridge mountains leading to the development of 'Bluegrass' music.
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0nOAQAZqvsw
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OCFyP7TIxb0
  • Period: to

    Reconstruction post-Civil War south

    South reintegrates with the Union and begin to restart their economy. Slaves are freed by 1873.
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AO_vlmbd72o
  • Period: to

    Jim Crow laws- racial segregation

    Blacks were considered seperate but equal
  • Period: to

    Vaudeville- minstrel shows

    Variety acts travel between US and Canada.
  • "St. Louis Blues" published by W. C. Handy

  • Tommy Johnson 'sells his soul'

    American Delta Blues musician with the falsetto voice
  • Period: to

    Prohibition in the U.S.

    The creation of black market and speakeasys create a demand for blues musicians.
  • "Guitar Rag" and "Guitar Blues"

    First use of the slide by Sylvester Weaver.
  • National Resonator Guitars

    Dopyera leaves National in 1928 to team up with his brothers and create the newly named 'Dobro".
  • Great Depression begins

    Stock market crash
  • Period: to

    Robert Johnson's recording career

  • Robert Johnson Records

  • "Key to the Highway" by Big Bill Broonzy

    Big Bill Broonzy is credited with bringing American Blues to Great Britain.
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KN_f0WVsHuw