Work songs, field hollers, slave songs and spirituals of black people from Texas, Louisiana and the Mississippi Delta are the foundation of the Blues. This rural musical artform captured the suffering, anguish and hopes of 300+ years of slavery and tenant farming. Both the music (instrumentation) and the lyrics can come across as depressing when listened to intently. However, when you understand the humble beginnings many of the blues artists came from and see the influence of their music even today, it provides hope and encouragement that even in these very difficult circumstances, these artists were able to create. Perhaps it was the act of creating that helped them to get through the challenges of life.