Discussion  Think about your favorite pop song or group.  How is it different from other songs/groups?  Is it related to a song/group from the 1970’s or 1980’s?  Can you guess what these artists influences might have been?  Think about your favorite pop song or group.  How is it different from other songs/groups?  Is it related to a song/group from the 1970’s or 1980’s?  Can you guess what these artists influences might have been?

The Blues The Beginning

 Blues started in the Mississippi Delta  The songs were based on field hollers and work song  Blues Roots come from West African styles of music.  Rigid structure of I – IV – V chord pattern.  Often found in AAB form, but was transformed easily by performers.  Often found as 12-bar Blues  Blues started in the Mississippi Delta  The songs were based on field hollers and work song  Blues Roots come from West African styles of music.  Rigid structure of I – IV – V chord pattern.  Often found in AAB form, but was transformed easily by performers.  Often found as 12-bar Blues

12 Bar Blues  I – Tonic or first note of the scale  IV – Subdominant – or fourth note of the scale  V – Dominant – or fifth note of the scale  3 lines of 4 bars - 4 beats/bar  I – I – I – I  IV – IV – I – I  V – IV – I – I  Listening  Good Morning Blues - Leadbelly Good Morning Blues - Leadbelly  Sweet Home Chicago – Robert Johnson Sweet Home Chicago – Robert Johnson  I – Tonic or first note of the scale  IV – Subdominant – or fourth note of the scale  V – Dominant – or fifth note of the scale  3 lines of 4 bars - 4 beats/bar  I – I – I – I  IV – IV – I – I  V – IV – I – I  Listening  Good Morning Blues - Leadbelly Good Morning Blues - Leadbelly  Sweet Home Chicago – Robert Johnson Sweet Home Chicago – Robert Johnson

Lyrics  Source of Inspiration  Lyrics were representation of culture.  Most post Civil War lyrics were based on oppression of slavery and money troubles.  The Phrase “ The blues ” was based on the sentiment of these lyrics, although not all blues are this kind of sad song.  Source of Inspiration  Lyrics were representation of culture.  Most post Civil War lyrics were based on oppression of slavery and money troubles.  The Phrase “ The blues ” was based on the sentiment of these lyrics, although not all blues are this kind of sad song.

Lyrics Form  Often 3 lines  Lines 1 & 2 – almost the same  Line 3 – wraps up phrase  Listening  “ Good Morning Blues ” – Leadbelly “ Good Morning Blues ” – Leadbelly  Well, good morning blues, blues how do you do  I'm doing all right well, good morning how are you.  “Crossroad Blues ” – Robert Johnson “Crossroad Blues ” – Robert Johnson  I went to the crossroad, fell down on my knee  Asked the Lord above have mercy, save poor Bob if you please.  Often 3 lines  Lines 1 & 2 – almost the same  Line 3 – wraps up phrase  Listening  “ Good Morning Blues ” – Leadbelly “ Good Morning Blues ” – Leadbelly  Well, good morning blues, blues how do you do  I'm doing all right well, good morning how are you.  “Crossroad Blues ” – Robert Johnson “Crossroad Blues ” – Robert Johnson  I went to the crossroad, fell down on my knee  Asked the Lord above have mercy, save poor Bob if you please.

Activity Write your own blues lyrics  In small groups, discuss ideas for a theme.  What struggles do youths have in society? What represents your culture of today?  Write two or three verses using the above format for a blues song.  Practice your lyrics as a song by incorporating a rhythm and melody.  Perform your song with the blues accompaniment. Write your own blues lyrics  In small groups, discuss ideas for a theme.  What struggles do youths have in society? What represents your culture of today?  Write two or three verses using the above format for a blues song.  Practice your lyrics as a song by incorporating a rhythm and melody.  Perform your song with the blues accompaniment.