Blues is a music genre [3] and musical form that originated amongst African-Americans in the Deep South of the United States around the 1860s. [2] Blues has incorporated spirituals, work songs, field hollers, shouts, chants, and rhymed simple narrative ballads from the African-American culture.

Feb 28, 2025 · Blues, secular folk music created by African Americans in the early 20th century, originally in the South. The simple but expressive forms of the blues became by the 1960s one of the most important influences on the development of popular music. Learn more about blues, including notable musicians.

Jan 24, 2025 · The blues tradition wields a powerful influence over Western popular music. Rhythm and Blues (R&B) icons, Rock and Roll pioneers, and the greats of American Soul, from Nina Simone to Otis Reading are all in debt to the musical lineage of the blues.

Mar 7, 2025 · Blues is probably the only kind of musical genre that communicates different emotional states in the deepest and the best way one can ever imagine. When it comes to the musical side of the Blues, the most common structure of the genre is the 12-bar blues progression. It is a classic or, rather, the most traditional pattern that follows a simple ...

The belief that blues is historically derived from the West African music including from Mali is reflected in Martin Scorsese’s often quoted characterization of Ali Farka Touré’s tradition as constituting "the DNA of the blues".

Our Mission is to preserve blues heritage, celebrate blues recording and performance, expand worldwide awareness of the blues, and ensure the future of the uniquely American art form.

Jan 26, 2024 · Blues is a cornerstone of American musical heritage that has influenced music and artists worldwide. Originating in the Southern U.S. close to the 20th century, blues is a musical style with certain characteristics such as soulful melodies, moving …

The blues is a form of secular folk music created by African Americans in the early 20th century, originally in the South. Although instrumental accompaniment is almost universal in the blues, the blues is essentially a vocal form.

Feb 28, 2025 · Blues developed in the southern United States after the American Civil War (1861–65). It was influenced by work songs and field hollers, minstrel show music, ragtime, church music, and the folk and popular music of the white population.

Feb 21, 2024 · Few styles of music embody that idea as much as the blues. The genre started as the result of several types of music and cultures and has evolved into a distinct category that influences modern artists every day. Let’s explore blues music history to see the origins and growth of this beloved American classic.