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BLUES MUSIC

Writer's picture: Andrea MartinezAndrea Martinez

Blues Music is a combination of form and music that creates a heavy sound filled with emotion.


Blues music is believed to have emerged shortly after the Civil War, with its roots in the deep South where African Americans used it as a form of artistic expression while laboring in the fields under slavery. These songs often reflected the prevailing sense of sadness and melancholy among the slaves of that time. However, in a testament to their resilience, spiritual songs were also integrated into the repertoire, serving as a coping mechanism for the challenges of daily life. The early blues melodies effectively capture the oral history of the enslaved population, providing valuable insights into their work environment, treatment, and overall existence.


From the late 1800s to the early 1920s, blues music underwent a transformation in mainstream America. Its influence spread throughout the Southern region, with blues tunes resonating in dance venues and clandestine bars. This period saw the incorporation of instruments like the banjo and trumpet, enhancing the blues sound. Additionally, it marked a significant era where black musicians started recording their music, paving the way for blues to reach households worldwide.


6 Famous Blues Musicians

Bessie Smith (1894–1937)

Mamie Smith (1891–1946)

Etta James (1938–2012)

Howlin' Wolf (1910–1976)

Muddy Waters (1913–1983)

B.B. King (1925-2015)


Blues music, with its roots deeply embedded in the African American culture, has transcended geographical boundaries to become one of the most cherished and influential music genres worldwide. The power of the blues lies not only in its soul-stirring melodies but also in its ability to bring people together in celebration and reflection. Festivities dedicated to blues music serve as a platform for musicians to showcase their talents, communities to bond over shared experiences, educators to impart knowledge about the genre's rich history, historians to preserve its legacy, and enthusiasts to revel in its timeless appeal.


Blues musician Johnny Childs receives credit as the founder of International Blues Music Day. On August 2, 2013, Childs began an initiative to create an annual celebration in honor of blues music and its musicians around the world. The International Blues Music Day organization, along with the NYC Blues Society, began planning the first every International Blues Music Day celebration.

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