Blues and B.B King Influence
The Blues was born in the Mississippi Delta, characterizing it through its guitar techniques, emotion, and rhythmic patterns. and Blues is rooted in African heritage and traditions, brought over by the enslaved. This genre has also evolved through the foundation of West and Central African culture and patterns. During slavery, enslaved Africans would create musical traditions such as the Work song, field holler, negro spirituals, and call and responses to sympathize and express their struggles, experiences, and faith. More specifically, traditions such as the field holler have largely influenced the creation of Blues. Post-Civil War, the Blues became an impactful form of expression by showcasing and articulating African Americans’ adversity in society. This expressive genre has highly influenced the creation of Rock N Roll and Rhythm and Blues(R&B).
B.B King
B.B. King is a Blues artist, mostly known as the “King of Blues.” King’s career began through the influence of the Mississippi Delta and Gospel music. He later became a self-taught guitarist. Once he picked up his skills and gained experience in writing and singing, he moved to Memphis, then Chicago, and toured the United States. After recording “The Thrill is Gone,” he won the first of 15 Grammy awards. By the 60s, he attracted a large crowd of White people and highly influenced the Rock community. He has impacted and collaborated with artists like Eric Clapton, Elton John, Van Morrison and many more.
