Blues

Blues

Blues is a music genre which originated as a form of self-expression by displaced African-American communities. It is also described with the terms "the blues" and "the blue devils" which means melancholy and sadness. Blues frequently uses slang in its explicit lyrics and often blues cover and addresses the troubles in life, freedom, relationships, gender roles, poverty, death, love and sex. Blues can be recognized with its elements like a strong and rhythmic beat, call and response format, and the "blue note" or the lowered third and seventh scale degrees.

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The blues music was an image of the history of lives and culture of the African-American people. This was a form of rebellion against the White and religion.

A Brief History

The blues originated from African work chants which served as a way of communication between slaves. It was born in the North Mississippi Delta after the Civil War. One, particularly a leader would issue the "call" and others or the members will give their "response" with a strong beat of stomping, shovel, hammer, stones and others. The chants were also used by the slaves to pass time and produce community spirit especially during hard times.

The Rising Popularity of Blues Music

The blues list of some artists which made great contribution to the rise of the blues music include Ray Charles, Gertrude Rainey, Bessie Smith, Victoria Spivey, Willie Dixon, Robert Johnson, B.B. King, Muddy Waters and John Lee Hooker. Backed by a band of blues drummer, pianist, guitarist and at times harmonica, the blues music continued to rise. It later influenced American and Western music as it became a basic pattern of other music types such as the jazz and rock and roll. Artists such as Eric Clapton, Jimmy Page, Jimi Hendrix, Eddie Van Halen and the Rolling Stones have used the blues as a basis of their music styles.

From the classic Delta blues, Chicago blues, Texas blues, and Blues Rock came the Blues dance and Alternative blues which continually draws new generation listeners of whatever color and nationality.

Blues music is available on the internet and on music stores. Many music download sites are offering downloads of different music types which for sure will provide one with his or her choice of music and sites which offer information needed for blues music.