The Blues: Storytelling Struggle and Resilience
By Avery Simpson
Origins of Blues
Blues music emerged in the late 19th century in the post-Civil War South and was rooted in the experiences of African Americans. The genre combines elements of African musical traditions, spirituals, and folk songs, creating a genre that is encapsulates struggle and resilience. Ultimately, Blues music originates from the African American experience, influenced by a variety of cultural elements like work songs and field hollers. Renowned artists such as W.C. Handy, often referred to as the “Father of the Blues,” helped popularize the genre in the early 20th century. Figures like Bessie Smith and Ma Rainey helped give blues a national presence. The genre’s evolution also reflects its migration from the rural South to urban centers like Chicago, where it adapted and grew, influencing several musical styles and leaving a strong legacy.
The Storytelling of Blues
Blues music is more than music as it’s arguably one of the most profound storytelling traditions that captures the highs and lows of everyday life in African American music. Common themes include heartbreak, travel, and the search for freedom rather than focusing on religious or spiritual topics. The music’s lyrics can be raw, being very honest in its description of pain and joy, and this makes the music feel more relatable. For example, Lead Belly’s “Goodnight, Irene” reflects a longing for love and connection, and this is an experience the masses can understand and feel the struggle of through his lyricism.
This genre serves not only as a reflection of individual experiences but also as a collective voice for the Black community, addressing relevant societal challenges and emotional truths. It’s important to note that blues, aside from its notable 12-bar and call-and-response format, is often improvisational which really makes each product of the genre unique with its music capturing the essence of each of its artists’ minds.
Blues that Tell a Story
Discovering the Intersections of Blues and Flamenco
During my study abroad experience in Seville, Spain last summer, I had the opportunity to learn more about the world of flamenco- a genre that, like blues, is deeply rooted in the experiences of marginalized communities. Flamenco originated in the Andalusian region of Spain and is influenced by various cultures, including African, Arabic, and Romani. It was cool to have the chance to learn more about the music that represents Spain while staying in the region it originated from. While there, I decided to research how flamenco, much like blues, serves as a means of self-expression, allowing artists to convey their struggles and triumphs through song, dance, and music.
Through exploring, I found intersections between the two genres. While blues emerged from the African American experience in the Deep South, as mentioned, flamenco developed in Andalusía and was influenced by the Romani, Moorish, and Jewish cultures. Both blues and flamenco share common themes of pain, love, and resilience, showcasing the emotional depths of their respective communities. The improvisational nature of flamenco parallels that of blues, and its typical call-and-response structures, highlight how both genres celebrate individual expression while also building community. Both genres have also blended with or influenced other prominent genres, like rock music.
As I studied flamenco I enjoyed seeing how these two musical genres, despite coming in different styles and from different cultural backgrounds, offer similar narratives of struggle and self-identity. I think this connection serves as great reminder of how music connects human experiences, especially through the emotions and stories captured by our lyrics and instruments.
“The blues is a feeling, you can’t get it out of no book. You can’t write the blues on a piece of paper, you just feel the blues.”
~ John Lee Hooker
