Blues Music
Introduction
With roots pulling from Western and Central Africa, enslaved Africans brought their cultural practices to North America. They used these practices to formulate work songs, including the field holler which is believed to be a direct precursor to blues music. These songs spoke of hopes for liberation and the hardships they faced and post-Civil War, influenced the blues music we know of today.
Instruments
Early instruments used in blues music are the Diddley-bow, a bottle neck with a single string, a washboard, the jug, spoons, and washtub bass. As the sound evolved, more modern instruments were incorporated such as the guitar, both acoustic and electric, brass instruments (saxophone), and modern drum sets. The double bass is also used in blues music, a four or five stringed instrument producing a low-pitched sound.
Popular Blues Artists (Female)
Bessie Smith (1894 – 1937) was known as the “Empress of the Blues” as she was most famous for her blues singing in the 1930’s. She revolutionized the world of classical blues by being a female performer skilled in hitting low notes with little effort. She also brought intense emotion to her performances that resonated with her audiences. As a singer, she collaborated with well known jazz musicians of the 1920’s and 30’s including Benny Goodman, Fletcher Henderson, and Louis Armstrong.
Ma Rainey (1886 – 1939) is dubbed as the “Mother of the Blues” for being one of the earliest known professional blues singers. She incorporated blues into minstrel and other forms of stage performing, blending country blues, early jazz, and her own iterations of musical stylings. She was primarily known for her southern blues, which ultimately led to her canceled contract with her record label in 1928 as they felt her style of blues was no longer fashionable.
