Cultural Appropriation vs. Appreciation:
Who Sings the Blues?
The blues genre is deeply rooted in African American culture. It evolved from West African musical traditions and became a mighty musical expression. During slavery and the post-Civil War Reconstruction era, African Americans created work songs, spirituals, and field hollers as means of expression and communication. The field holler, in particular, is considered a direct precursor to the blues, characterized by expressive vocalization and personal storytelling.
It’s understandable why this genre resonates with Black artists, as it reflects our experiences—the good, the bad, and the ugly. The blues provides an outlet for expressing feelings about oppression and our society’s hardships.
However, it wasn’t long before this precious genre was appropriated by white artists, who transformed it into Rock ‘n’ Roll. Figures like Elvis Presley rose to prominence, becoming the “King of Rock and Roll” and overshadowing the roots of the music. Media portrayals, such as in “Back to the Future,” also contribute to this narrative, notably in the scene where Marty McFly, played by Michael J. Fox, performs Chuck Berry’s “Johnny B. Goode” at a high school dance.
Today, there are many white artists in the blues genre, and white audience members often outnumber Black fans at performances. This raises the question of who else can play the blues and whether they are doing so from a place of appreciation or appropriation.
Cultural appropriation is the exploitation, mockery, or inappropriate use of a culture different from one’s background. This can manifest in various forms, including fashion, celebrations, religious practices, language, symbols, and music.
On the other hand, cultural appreciation is a genuine admiration for another culture. An individual may respectfully and thoughtfully engage with different aspects of another culture respectfully and thoughtfully, making it clear that their intention is to enjoy and celebrate that culture rather than steal or manipulate it for personal gain.
I often find it interesting to see white artists singing the blues. Given their position as a dominant and usually privileged group, what struggles and hardships can they genuinely relate to? However, they may address universal themes like relationships, family issues, class struggles, or other personal experiences. Everyone faces hardships, and no one can gatekeep who gets to share their story and how they choose to do it.
Who is to say who can participate in the blues, and what qualifies someone to express themselves publicly? While I would prefer to see this genre dominated by Black and African American musicians, I cannot fault artists like Dalia Vault and Sean “Bad” Apple, who strive to stay true to the authentic blues genre and genuinely love and appreciate this art form. They understand that this music is not part of their culture, yet they want to engage with and elevate this less popular genre. They play from the heart and continue to acknowledge the origins of this music. I respect their appreciation and will maintain an open mind when listening to white artists perform one of the most significant genres established by my people.
