Blues
(1930-1940s)
Blues came from Negro Spirituals and Folk music. This genre can be considered another step away from spiritual music to secular music. The genre was born in Mississippi. It features lyrics about the everyday struggles of life – from heartbreak, hardship and more. Prominent instruments within the genre are the slide guitar, harmonica, piano and bass.
The "Father of Blues"
W.C. Handy would be considered the father of blues because he went around to black people, specifically in the south collected blues music and then reproduced it.
Here is WC Handy performing himself the “St.Louis Blues”
Blues in Minstrel Shows
Along with other genres headed by black people, blues was included in Minstrel shows. Many blues artist would travel and perform blues alongside white people who performed in black face.
Artists
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