Robert Johnson
Robert Johnson was born in which state?
Mississippi
The South
String instrument included in almost all Blues music.
Guitar
What instrument did legendary Blues artist B. B. King play?
Guitar
Texas, Mississippi, Georgia, Carolinas
Robert Johnson was a very talented musician, however, it was not always that way. He magically learned to play the guitar in a little over one year. During that year of training he went from sounding "terrible" to becoming one of the greatest Blues guitarists in history.
What legend / story was born from this?
He sold his soul to the devil.
African Americans
Important rhythm instrument in lots of musical styles. Very important part of the Blues.
Drums
One struggle that many Blues artists faced was addiction. Bessie Smith faced this with a certain type of substance, what was it?
Alcohol
Spiritual music had a very big impact on the development of Blues. Where might one hear spiritual music?
The Church
Before Robert Johnson learned the guitar, what other instrument was he very talented at?
Harmonica
DOUBLE JEOPARDY
Blues Music started developing after the end of the Civil War. What year did that occur?
Small Wind instrument that many blues musician performed solos on.
Harmonica
This Blues singer was one of the earliest blues singers we have recordings of. She was a very talented singer who often sang about her struggles growing up in Mississippi.
Who is she?
Bessie Smith
What style of blues comes out of the Mississippi Delta River area?
Delta Blues
Robert Johnson was the first person in history to gain membership to the infamous "27 club".
How does one gain membership to this exclusive club?
Be a famous rising musician and die at 27 years old.
At what point in history did Blues music EXPLODE and catch on in mass popularity, with even white folk listening to, enjoying, and performing the Blues?
The Great Depression - 1929
DOUBLE JEOPARDY
Rhythmic string instrument that helps establish the beat. Very low pitched instrument.
Who was a famous Blues composer best known for his most popular song "Memphis Blues"?
W.C. Handy
From about 1910-1970, a major event took place where large amounts of African Americans left the south and migrated up north. This happened for many reasons including, money, job opportunities, the gold rush, and politics. What was this event called?
The Great Migration
Who was one of Robert Johnson's biggest influences?
This influence once described his guitar playing as "terrible".
Son House
Blues music is heavily influenced by styles of music that were around before and during the Civil War.
One of these styles was traditional sung by slaves working in the fields. What the style?
Work songs / field hollers
One of the only instruments that you don't play.
Very important part of the blues.
Vocals
Which blues musicians was famous for developing a new style of blues guitar playing called, slide guitar.
Muddy Waters
This state's style of blues featured heavy guitar lines and a clear high-line singing voice. Blind Lemon Jefferson is an example of it.
Texas Blues