Blues
The blues has an extensive history rooting back to west Africa before the transatlantic slave trade. The rhythms and improvisation that the blues is known for originate back to the forms of music carried across the ocean. Incorporating elements of the field collar and deep emotional vocalization, the blues has always been a story of struggle, sorrow, triumph and perseverance. This genre gained momentum after the emancipation era, African Americans used this form of music as an expression of the adversity they faced. Emerging from the Mississippi Delta the blues has spread across the country and globe, influencing many musical genres and crossing racial divides.
Miss Etta James
Born in 1938 Etta James is known for her vibrant career performing the blues, jazz, gospel, R&B and rock n’ roll. Her musical talent included a passion for writing her own lyrics along with performing. Known for her deep and emotionally provoking voice, she touched the hearts and ears of any who listened to her. Best know for her hits such as “I’d rather go blind” , “At last” and “Something’s got a hold on me”
After the emancipation era blues traveled to the north and began to develop in Chicago, giving us Chicago Blues. As southern artist began to migrate to the north the tone of blues began to change, incorporating a more electric sound and modern vibe while still keeping with the history, emotion and improvisation of “traditional” blues.
Entering the blue seen around 1954 Etta James had already shown her passion for singing since five years old. Born in Los Angeles, California she began singing infant of an audience inner local church choir and on the radio. As her career developed her voice and talent took her through all genres, giving special attention to rhythm and blues, rock n’ roll and jazz. Throughout her career Etta James was awarded several Grammys and was inducted into the Rock n’ Roll hall of fame.
