Blues Notes
The 1930s were an important decade for the blues genre, with many influential artists and songs that helped to establish the sound and style of the blues. Here are some of the most popular blues songs of the 1930s:
- “Cross Road Blues” by Robert Johnson
- “Dust My Broom” by Robert Johnson
- “Hellhound on My Trail” by Robert Johnson
- “Stormy Weather” by Ethel Waters
- “St. Louis Blues” by Bessie Smith
- “Sweet Home Chicago” by Robert Johnson
- “Love in Vain” by Robert Johnson
- “Kind Hearted Woman Blues” by Robert Johnson
- “Nobody Knows You When You’re Down and Out” by Bessie Smith
- “Statesboro Blues” by Blind Willie McTell
These songs have become blues classics, and continue to be celebrated and performed by blues musicians today. They also had a significant influence on the development of rock and roll, and many of the artists who performed these songs were key inspirations for the rock artists of the 1960s and beyond.
The 1940s saw the emergence of many new artists and styles in the blues genre. Here are some of the most popular blues songs of the 1940s:
- “Strange Fruit” by Billie Holiday
“Good Morning Little Schoolgirl” by Sonny Boy Williamson
- “Every Day I Have the Blues” by Count Basie with Jimmy Rushing
“Call It Stormy Monday” by T-Bone Walker - “Take Me Back Baby” by Walter Brown
- “Milk Cow Blues” by Kokomo Arnold
- “One Bourbon, One Scotch, One Beer” by Amos Milburn
- “Boogie Chillen'” by John Lee Hooker
- “Lonesome Road Blues” by Joe Williams with Count Basie
- “Down the Road a Piece” by Will Bradley with Ray McKinley
These songs helped to establish the sound and style of the blues in the 1940s, and many of them continue to be celebrated and performed by blues musicians today. They also had a significant influence on the development of rock and roll, and many of the artists who performed these songs were key inspirations for the rock artists of the 1950s and beyond.
The 1950s was an important decade for the blues genre, with many influential artists and songs that helped shape the direction of the genre. Here are some of the most popular blues songs of the 1950s:
- “Hoochie Coochie Man” by Muddy Waters
- “The Thrill is Gone” by B.B. King
- “Mannish Boy” by Muddy Waters
- “Smokestack Lightnin'” by Howlin’ Wolf
“I’m Your Hoochie Coochie Man” by Bo Diddley
- “Dust My Broom” by Elmore James
- “Sweet Little Angel” by B.B. King
- “Rollin’ Stone” by Muddy Waters
- “Key to the Highway” by Big Bill Broonzy
- “Stormy Monday” by T-Bone Walker
These songs have become blues classics, and continue to be celebrated and performed by blues musicians today. They also had a significant influence on the development of rock and roll, and many of the artists who performed these songs were key inspirations for the rock artists of the 1960s and beyond.
The 1960s were a time of great change in the world of blues music, with new styles and artists emerging and expanding the boundaries of the genre. Here are some of the most popular blues songs of the 1960s:
- “The Thrill Is Gone” by B.B. King
“Born Under a Bad Sign” by Albert King
- “Red House” by Jimi Hendrix
“All Along the Watchtower” by Jimi Hendrix - “Crossroads” by Cream
- “Sweet Little Angel” by B.B. King
- “Hoochie Coochie Man” by Muddy Waters
- “Stormy Monday” by T-Bone Walker
- “Mannish Boy” by Muddy Waters
- “Spoonful” by Howlin’ Wolf
These songs helped to define the sound of the blues in the 1960s, and continue to be celebrated and performed by blues musicians today. They also had a significant influence on the development of rock and roll, with many rock artists incorporating blues elements into their music and paying homage to the blues greats who had come before them.
The 1970s saw the continuation of many of the blues styles and artists that had emerged in the previous decade, as well as the rise of new and innovative musicians who expanded the boundaries of the genre. Here are some of the most popular blues songs of the 1970s:
- “The Sky Is Crying” by Stevie Ray Vaughan
- “Pride and Joy” by Stevie Ray Vaughan
- “Statesboro Blues” by The Allman Brothers Band
- “T-Bone Shuffle” by T-Bone Walker
“Red House” by Jimi Hendrix - “I’m Ready” by Muddy Waters
- “Messin’ with the Kid” by Junior Wells
“Rock Me Baby” by B.B. King
- “The Thrill Is Gone” by B.B. King
- “Sweet Home Chicago” by The Blues Brothers
These songs helped to define the sound of the blues in the 1970s, and continue to be celebrated and performed by blues musicians today. They also had a significant influence on the development of rock and roll, with many rock artists incorporating blues elements into their music and paying homage to the blues greats who had come before them.
The blues has been a fundamental part of American music for over a century, influencing countless artists and genres. As we enter the 21st century, the blues continues to evolve, adapt, and remain relevant to new generations of fans. In this blog post, we’ll take a look at the blues from the year 2000 to the present, exploring some of the key artists, stylistic developments, and trends in the genre.
2000s: The Return of the Blues Rock The early 2000s saw a resurgence of blues rock, a style that blended the blues with classic rock and roll. Artists like The Black Keys, The White Stripes, and The Raconteurs brought a fresh, modern energy to the blues, drawing on the music’s roots while also pushing it in new directions. The blues rock of the 2000s was characterized by distorted guitars, pounding drums, and raw, emotive vocals. It was a return to the gritty, unpolished sound of the early blues, but with a contemporary edge.
2010s: Blues Goes Pop In the 2010s, the blues began to intersect with pop music in new and unexpected ways. Artists like Gary Clark Jr., Alabama Shakes, and Hozier incorporated blues elements into their music, creating a new style of blues that was more accessible to mainstream audiences. These artists brought a new level of polish and production value to the blues, while also retaining the music’s emotional and expressive qualities.
The 2010s also saw a renewed interest in the acoustic blues, with artists like Chris Smither, Keb’ Mo’, and Ruthie Foster creating stripped-down, intimate recordings that emphasized the subtleties and nuances of the genre. This return to the acoustic blues was a nod to the music’s roots and a reminder that, even in the age of electronic production and digital manipulation, the blues can still be raw, authentic, and deeply moving.
2020s: The Blues in a Pandemic The COVID-19 pandemic had a profound impact on the blues in 2020 and beyond. Live performances, a cornerstone of the blues tradition, were put on hold as venues closed and gatherings were banned. However, many artists found creative ways to stay connected with their fans, performing live streams and releasing new recordings. The pandemic also brought new attention to the history and cultural significance of the blues, as people sought comfort and inspiration in the music’s timeless messages of perseverance and hope.
Looking Ahead: The Future of the Blues As we look to the future, it’s clear that the blues will continue to evolve and inspire new generations of artists and fans. From the raw, unpolished sound of the Delta blues to the polished, pop-infused blues of the 21st century, the music will continue to adapt to new styles, trends, and technologies while retaining its fundamental qualities of emotion, expression, and soul. Whether it’s played on a dusty porch in the Mississippi Delta or in a state-of-the-art recording studio in Los Angeles, the blues will always be a vital part of American music and culture.
