Birth of the Blues
Originality of Birth of the Blues
The Blues originated in the southern United States around the turn of the 20th century (1880s - 1920s
Characteristics of East Coast Blues
Influenced by Ragtime so the guitar accompaniments are intricate and involve heavy fingerpicking
Texas Blues Feature
Lyrics lean less-heavily on heartbreak and hard times.
Delta Blues Features
Rhythmic guitar patterns, often using a slide
Chicago Blues And The Great immigration
Between 1920 an 1970, over 6 million African Americans left the South to move to the more industrial cities of the north, including Chicago
How Birth of the Blues was born
The blues was born from the work songs and yells of black farm workers, miners, and lumbermen in the South.
Notable East Coast Blues Singers
Willie Walker, Rev. "Blind" Gary Davis, "Blind Boy" Fuller, Bobby "Blue" Bland
How Texas Blues Developed
Developed as rural workers began moving to the urban centers of Texas, such as Dallas, Galveston, San Antonio, and Houston.
How Delta Blues developed
The Delta Blues developed primarily at Dockery Farms, a 25,000 acre plantation where employees both worked and lived.
How Chicago Blues Developed
In Chicago, a more electric form of the blues developed, including microphones and electric guitars so musicians could be heard over the noise of loud Chicago clubs.
What were the lyrics of Birth of the blues?
The lyrics were often sorrowful and melancholy, centered on heartbreak or hard times.
Who are the outstanding blues singers of the East Coast?
Willie Walker, Rev. "Blind" Gary Davis, "Blind Boy" Fuller, Bobby "Blue" Bland
Who are the famous Texas blues singers?
Blind Lemon Jefferson, Black Boy, Shine Lightnin'Hopkins, Big Mama Thornton, T-Bone Walker
Who are the outstanding blues singers of the Delta?
Eddie "Son" House, Robert Johnson, Muddy Waters, Howlin' Wolf
Who are the outstanding Chicago blues singers?
Many Delta Blues singers moved north, such as Muddy Waters, Howlin' Wolf, and Sonny Boy Williamson
What are the three different areas of the United States where the Blues developed?
East Coast, Delta, Texas
How is singing characterized in East Coast Blues?
The singing exhibits clear enunciations and melodic vocal lines.
How Texas Blues Singers Used Their Voices
Singers use clear, high-pitched vocal lines.
Who is the father of Delta Blues?
Charlie Patton, considered the father of Delta Blues, worked there intermittently.
What other instrument did they use in Chicago Blues?
The piano and the drums
Where does the name Blues come from?
The name "Blues" comes from the use of "blue notes," which are notes located slightly lower than expected on the scale.
What other instrument does he use in East Coast Blues?
The harmonica
What rhythm was used on Texas Blues guitars?
The rhythm had a more relaxed and swinging air.
How they used singing in Delta Blues
Usually sung by a solo singer using speech-like vocal patterns.
Notable Chicago Blues Singers
Willie Dixon, George "Buddy" Guy, Bo Diddley, Otis Rush, Junior Wells