1. The Blues

2. The blues is a 12 bar structure The blues is a 12 bar structure The blues is a combination of West African Rhythms, The blues is a combination of West African Rhythms, Call and Response pattern, And Western European chord structure. Call and Response pattern, And Western European chord structure. The blues evolution began on Beale Street in Memphis Tennessee The blues evolution began on Beale Street in Memphis Tennessee Beale Street is the Broadway of Blues music Beale Street is the Broadway of Blues music Blue Notes add color and texture to a song, extra added harmony Blue Notes add color and texture to a song, extra added harmony The blues scale is 1 b3 4 #4 5 b7 1. The blues scale is 1 b3 4 #4 5 b7 1. This is the primary scale all blues musicians use This is the primary scale all blues musicians use The 12 bar blues structure became standard in the 1920’s. The 12 bar blues structure became standard in the 1920’s. This structure influenced rock and roll. This structure influenced rock and roll. Is the same structure for rock and roll songs Is the same structure for rock and roll songs

3. The Blues Blues and Country music got their start around the same time in the early 20 th century Blues and Country music got their start around the same time in the early 20 th century Blues was “race” music Blues was “race” music Country was “hillbilly” music Country was “hillbilly” music First Blues song was Memphis Blues by W. C. Handy, recorded in 1912 First Blues song was Memphis Blues by W. C. Handy, recorded in 1912 Country Blues was first started in the south, used slide guitar. Country Blues was first started in the south, used slide guitar. Leadbelly, Blind Lemon Jefferson, Blind Blake were first county blues artists. Leadbelly, Blind Lemon Jefferson, Blind Blake were first county blues artists. Artists sang Solo, on banjo or guitar was big influence on Delta blues Artists sang Solo, on banjo or guitar was big influence on Delta blues Delta Blues from Mississippi Delta Delta Blues from Mississippi Delta slide guitar, harmonica slide guitar, harmonica best delta blues musician was Robert Johnson best delta blues musician was Robert Johnson

4. The Blues Memphis blues was established in Memphis Tennessee Memphis blues was established in Memphis Tennessee Influenced by Jug bands. Washboards, fiddles, kazoo, mandolin Influenced by Jug bands. Washboards, fiddles, kazoo, mandolin Memphis blues musicians moved to Chicago and created Chicago blues or Urban Blues Memphis blues musicians moved to Chicago and created Chicago blues or Urban Blues Used electric instruments. Used electric instruments. Muddy Waters and John Lee Hooker were important Chicago blues musicians Muddy Waters and John Lee Hooker were important Chicago blues musicians Mamie Smith, Ma Rainey, Bessie Smith, popular female blues singers of the 1920’s Mamie Smith, Ma Rainey, Bessie Smith, popular female blues singers of the 1920’s Mamie Smith was first black woman to record a blues song in 1920 Mamie Smith was first black woman to record a blues song in 1920 called Crazy Blues. 75,000 copies sold in the first month of release called Crazy Blues. 75,000 copies sold in the first month of release MA Rainey was the mother of the blues. MA Rainey was the mother of the blues.

5. The Blues Jump blues was started in Kansas City by Big Joe Turner Jump blues was started in Kansas City by Big Joe Turner Influenced by Stride Piano version of ragtime music Influenced by Stride Piano version of ragtime music direct influence on Boogie Woogie early rock and roll of Little Richard and Jerry lee Lewis direct influence on Boogie Woogie early rock and roll of Little Richard and Jerry lee Lewis B.B. King is most influential and important modern blues guitarist B.B. King is most influential and important modern blues guitarist influenced musicians like Bo Diddley, Chuck Berry, Eric Clapton influenced musicians like Bo Diddley, Chuck Berry, Eric Clapton Albert King, Buddy Guy influential modern day blues musicians Albert King, Buddy Guy influential modern day blues musicians Had major influence on British rock and rollers like Rolling Stones, Cream, Had major influence on British rock and rollers like Rolling Stones, Cream, Lead Zeppelin, Jimmi Hendrix Lead Zeppelin, Jimmi Hendrix

6. The Blues Texas rock and roll was influenced by Texas blues musicians like Stevie Ray Vaughn. Texas rock and roll was influenced by Texas blues musicians like Stevie Ray Vaughn. Influenced Southern rock bands like ZZ top, Lynard Skynard, Doobie Brothers Influenced Southern rock bands like ZZ top, Lynard Skynard, Doobie Brothers The movie The Blues Brothers was released in 1980 Was an important movie about the blues The movie The Blues Brothers was released in 1980 Was an important movie about the blues featured blues music and blues musicians. featured blues music and blues musicians. Created a renewed interest in blues music and restarted the careers of many blues artists. Created a renewed interest in blues music and restarted the careers of many blues artists. W.C. Handy award is the award for best blues artists, W.C. Handy award is the award for best blues artists, is the Grammy for Blues music is the Grammy for Blues music

7. W. C. handy Known as the Father of the Blues Known as the Father of the Blues First educated musician First educated musician Born in a log cabin built by his grandfather Born in a log cabin built by his grandfather Deeply religious, religious themes in his music Deeply religious, religious themes in his music

8. W. C. Handy Started to learn the guitar, switched to trumpet Started to learn the guitar, switched to trumpet Age 23 led his own band, performed at the Chicago Worlds Fair in 1893 Age 23 led his own band, performed at the Chicago Worlds Fair in 1893 Toured the county until 1900 Accepted teaching position at Alabama Agriculture and Mechanical College for Negroes. Toured the county until 1900 Accepted teaching position at Alabama Agriculture and Mechanical College for Negroes. Only Negro college in Alabama Only Negro college in Alabama 1903 resigned from teaching for lack of pay. Started touring again 1903 resigned from teaching for lack of pay. Started touring again 1909 moved to Memphis, recorded Memphis Blues in 1912 1909 moved to Memphis, recorded Memphis Blues in 1912 Became music publisher in 1917 because blacks could not get music published Became music publisher in 1917 because blacks could not get music published Moved to New York City to open publishing company Moved to New York City to open publishing company Published Beale street blues and Kansas City Blues Published Beale street blues and Kansas City Blues 1920 opened Handy record Company 1920 opened Handy record Company

9. W. C. Handy 1925 Bessie Smith and Louis Armstrong recorded his St. Louis Blues 1925 Bessie Smith and Louis Armstrong recorded his St. Louis Blues In 1926 became an author. In 1926 became an author. Wrote anthologies of blues music Wrote anthologies of blues music Wrote 5 books Wrote 5 books 1929 St. Louis Blues was made into a movie starring Bessie Smith 1929 St. Louis Blues was made into a movie starring Bessie Smith Was considered one of the worlds greatest musicians and song writers Was considered one of the worlds greatest musicians and song writers

10. Ma Rainey 1886- 1939 1886- 1939 Considered the mother of the blues Considered the mother of the blues Earliest known professional blues singers Earliest known professional blues singers

11. Ma Rainey Mentor and major influence on Bessie Smith Mentor and major influence on Bessie Smith First public performance was at age 14 First public performance was at age 14 1904 joined the Rabbit Foot Minstrels 1904 joined the Rabbit Foot Minstrels 1912 met Bessie Smith, took her under her wing 1912 met Bessie Smith, took her under her wing Trained her in stage presence and how to be a performer Trained her in stage presence and how to be a performer out spoken supported of women’s rights out spoken supported of women’s rights 1923 made her first recordings 1923 made her first recordings Signed with Paramount records, recorded 100 songs Signed with Paramount records, recorded 100 songs Great Depression hurt her career, retired in 1933 Great Depression hurt her career, retired in 1933

12. Bessie Smith 1894-1937 1894-1937 Most popular and successful blues singer of the 1920’s Most popular and successful blues singer of the 1920’s Enormous influence on modern singers Enormous influence on modern singers like Janis Joplin, Nora Jones, Billie Holliday and Mahalia Jackson like Janis Joplin, Nora Jones, Billie Holliday and Mahalia Jackson

13. Bessie Smith started singing with her brother on the streets of Tennessee started singing with her brother on the streets of Tennessee 1904 brother left to join minstrel show 1904 brother left to join minstrel show 1912 he returns to take Bessie with him 1912 he returns to take Bessie with him Joined the Moses Stokes Theater Company Joined the Moses Stokes Theater Company Met Ma Rainey Met Ma Rainey 1913 developed her own act. 1913 developed her own act.

14. Bessie Smith 1920 started to gain fame 1920 started to gain fame 1923 Joined the TOBA 1923 Joined the TOBA First big hit was Down Hearted Blues First big hit was Down Hearted Blues Became highest paid black performer Became highest paid black performer Was the Madonna or Beyonce of her time Was the Madonna or Beyonce of her time 1929 performed in her first Broadway play 1929 performed in her first Broadway play 1929 stared in the movie St Louis Blues 1929 stared in the movie St Louis Blues A “talkie” movie that was written with her in mind to star in A “talkie” movie that was written with her in mind to star in 1933 signed with Okeh music label was paid $37.50 per recording 1933 signed with Okeh music label was paid $37.50 per recording Recorded with the likes of Louis Armstrong and Benny Goodman Recorded with the likes of Louis Armstrong and Benny Goodman

15. Bessie Smith September 1937 injured in car wreck on US 61 September 1937 injured in car wreck on US 61 Since she was black she was forced to go to a segregated Afro- Hospital Since she was black she was forced to go to a segregated Afro- Hospital that was 4 hours away from crash site that was 4 hours away from crash site instead of the white hospital that was 45 mins away. instead of the white hospital that was 45 mins away. Arm was amputated and died from complication Arm was amputated and died from complication recanted in the book Death of Bessie Smith in 1959 recanted in the book Death of Bessie Smith in 1959

16. Robert Johnson Most famous Delta Blues musician Most famous Delta Blues musician Did not start recording until 1935 Did not start recording until 1935 influenced many modern musicians like Eric Clapton, Led Zeppelin, Rolling Stones influenced many modern musicians like Eric Clapton, Led Zeppelin, Rolling Stones Recorded only 29 songs total of 42 tracks, over 2 day period in San Antonio Texas Recorded only 29 songs total of 42 tracks, over 2 day period in San Antonio Texas Most famous song was Sweet Home Chicago Most famous song was Sweet Home Chicago legend says he sold his soul to the Devil at the crossroads legend says he sold his soul to the Devil at the crossroads US 61 and US 49 in Mississippi US 61 and US 49 in Mississippi considered greatest blues singers of all times considered greatest blues singers of all times

17. Robert Johnson Used raw emotion in his lyrics, Used raw emotion in his lyrics, used bass strings on his guitar for melody used bass strings on his guitar for melody this is opposite of usual guitar playing this is opposite of usual guitar playing Many musicians have recorded his songs. Many musicians have recorded his songs. Movies like The Blues Brothers, O Brother, Where Art Thou, and Crossroads have cameo story lines on his life Movies like The Blues Brothers, O Brother, Where Art Thou, and Crossroads have cameo story lines on his life

18. Lead Belly Huddie William Leadbetter Huddie William Leadbetter 1885-1949 1885-1949 Folk and blues musician Folk and blues musician One of the first guitarists to use 12 strings One of the first guitarists to use 12 strings

19. Lead Belly Wrote folk music and blues song book Wrote folk music and blues song book started playing guitar at 5 years old started playing guitar at 5 years old At age 20 he left home to become a musician At age 20 he left home to become a musician Worked as a musician and laborer (handy man etc) Worked as a musician and laborer (handy man etc)

20. Lead Belly 1918 first trouble with the law 1918 first trouble with the law Thrown in jail for killing man in a bar fight. Thrown in jail for killing man in a bar fight. Would be in and out of prison most of his life Would be in and out of prison most of his life Was stabbed in prison and survived. Which is how he got his nick name Was stabbed in prison and survived. Which is how he got his nick name 1930 was discovered by Alan Lomax while in prison 1930 was discovered by Alan Lomax while in prison Recorded his music for book history of the blues Recorded his music for book history of the blues Wrote a song to the governor of Louisiana Wrote a song to the governor of Louisiana He liked the song so much was granted parole He liked the song so much was granted parole 1934 moved to New York 1934 moved to New York Recorded with American Record Company Recorded with American Record Company 1939 back in prison for assult, 15th time in jail 1939 back in prison for assult, 15th time in jail

21. Lead Belly released in 1940 became hero of folk musicians released in 1940 became hero of folk musicians 1949 European tour 1949 European tour Became ill Became ill Diagnosed with Lou Gerigs disease Diagnosed with Lou Gerigs disease Wrote huge song book for folk and blues music Wrote huge song book for folk and blues music Has been recorded by thousands of musicians Has been recorded by thousands of musicians Wrote famous songs like Wrote famous songs like Black Betty Black Betty House of the Rising Sun House of the Rising Sun

22. Big Joe Turner 1911-1985 1911-1985 Boss of the Blues Boss of the Blues From Kansas City From Kansas City Wrote hit rock and roll song Shake, rattle and Roll Wrote hit rock and roll song Shake, rattle and Roll One of the first to mix R&B with boogie- woogie, resulting in jump blues One of the first to mix R&B with boogie- woogie, resulting in jump blues

23. Big Joe Turner Shake Rattle and Roll is one of the first rock and roll hits Shake Rattle and Roll is one of the first rock and roll hits The originator of Jump Blues The originator of Jump Blues Was a huge man, almost 6 foot tall and rarely used a microphone Was a huge man, almost 6 foot tall and rarely used a microphone

24. Big Joe Turner Was main influence on Bill Haley and the Comets and Elvis Presley Was main influence on Bill Haley and the Comets and Elvis Presley won award for best blues singer in 1945 won award for best blues singer in 1945 Worked as a bouncer, bartender and singer in Kansas city Worked as a bouncer, bartender and singer in Kansas city Teamed up with piano player Pete Johnson to create the fist jump blues band Teamed up with piano player Pete Johnson to create the fist jump blues band Worked with Johnson well into the 1950’s Worked with Johnson well into the 1950’s Went on Alan Freed Tours with Fats Domino, the Clovers, Bo Diddley and other pioneers of rock and roll Went on Alan Freed Tours with Fats Domino, the Clovers, Bo Diddley and other pioneers of rock and roll Last hit was The 1983 album Blues Train Last hit was The 1983 album Blues Train

25. Muddy Waters 1915-1983 1915-1983 Father of Chicago Blues Father of Chicago Blues 1930 bought first guitar 1930 bought first guitar recorded by Alan Lomax for history of blues recordings recorded by Alan Lomax for history of blues recordings

26. Muddy Waters 1943 moved to Chicago 1943 moved to Chicago Switched from acoustic to electric guitar Switched from acoustic to electric guitar used bottle neck style of playing used bottle neck style of playing 1946 first recordings for Columbia records 1946 first recordings for Columbia records

27. Muddy Waters used guitar, bass, rhythms section, first to use trio type setting used guitar, bass, rhythms section, first to use trio type setting direct influence on rock and roll direct influence on rock and roll 1960’s rock stars site him as major influence because of his singing and playing 1960’s rock stars site him as major influence because of his singing and playing Influenced major rock stars of the 60’s to present Influenced major rock stars of the 60’s to present He created the Power Trio setting He created the Power Trio setting influenced Chuck Berry and other rock stars influenced Chuck Berry and other rock stars Rolling stones named their band after one of his hit songs. Rolling stones named their band after one of his hit songs. Led Zepplin recorded his song Whole Lotta Love Led Zepplin recorded his song Whole Lotta Love Influnence on AC/DC, The Who, The Beatles, Nirvana, etc Influnence on AC/DC, The Who, The Beatles, Nirvana, etc

28. John Lee Hooker 1917-2001 1917-2001 influential Chicago blues guitarist influential Chicago blues guitarist famous songs were Boom Boom and Boogie Chillin’ famous songs were Boom Boom and Boogie Chillin’ ran away from home at 15 to become a musician ran away from home at 15 to become a musician

29. John Lee Hooker 1930s worked on Beal Street to make a name for himself 1930s worked on Beal Street to make a name for himself Moved to Detroit in the 1940’s to work for Ford motor company Moved to Detroit in the 1940’s to work for Ford motor company Started recording career Started recording career Boogie Chillin was first hit Boogie Chillin was first hit

30. John Lee Hooker he was illiterate, could not read or write he was illiterate, could not read or write Known for his dramatic lyrics Known for his dramatic lyrics sang in the movie the blues brothers sang in the movie the blues brothers 1989 received a Grammy award for his album the healer 1989 received a Grammy award for his album the healer recorded over 100 albums recorded over 100 albums Star on the Hollywood walk of fame in 1991 Star on the Hollywood walk of fame in 1991 Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Has 2 songs on top 500 songs of all time Has 2 songs on top 500 songs of all time Inducted into the blues hall of fame Inducted into the blues hall of fame 2000 Grammy award for life time achievement 2000 Grammy award for life time achievement

31. B.B. King born in 1925 born in 1925 Best modern day blues musician Best modern day blues musician Lucille is the name of his guitar, named after his wife Lucille is the name of his guitar, named after his wife started performing in the 1940’s started performing in the 1940’s Is a good humanitarian and spokesman for diabetic causes. Is a good humanitarian and spokesman for diabetic causes.

32. B.B. King 1947 started recording for RPM records 1947 started recording for RPM records Produced by Sam Phillips, who found Elvis. Produced by Sam Phillips, who found Elvis. Was nick named Beale Street Blues Boy Was nick named Beale Street Blues Boy Was a D.J. on Beal Street in Memphis Was a D.J. on Beal Street in Memphis Shortened name to B.B Shortened name to B.B

33. B. B. King 1962 signed with Paramount records 1962 signed with Paramount records First major hit in 1969 with The Thrill is Gone First major hit in 1969 with The Thrill is Gone Opening act for the Rolling stones Opening act for the Rolling stones from 1951-1985 appeared on Bill board top 10 charts 74 times from 1951-1985 appeared on Bill board top 10 charts 74 times 1988 performed with U2 on Rattle and Hum 1988 performed with U2 on Rattle and Hum 2000 performed with Eric Clapton on Riding with the King 2000 performed with Eric Clapton on Riding with the King 2003 performed with Phish 2003 performed with Phish 2006 age of 80- European tour 2006 age of 80- European tour Huge influence on modern day guitarists and rock musicians Huge influence on modern day guitarists and rock musicians 1990 received national Medal of Arts 1990 received national Medal of Arts 2004 PHD from University of Mississippi 2004 PHD from University of Mississippi 2006 Presidential Medal of Freedom 2006 Presidential Medal of Freedom 14 Grammy Awards 14 Grammy Awards number 3 on the list of 100 greatest guitar players number 3 on the list of 100 greatest guitar players Favorite singer is Frank Sinatra Favorite singer is Frank Sinatra

34. Buddy Guy 1936- present 1936- present Rock and Chicago blues guitarist Rock and Chicago blues guitarist Main influence on Jimi Hendrix Main influence on Jimi Hendrix Father of Rapper Shawnna Father of Rapper Shawnna Known for his showmanship Known for his showmanship Plays guitar behind his back Plays guitar behind his back Gave Hendrix idea for stage gimmicks Gave Hendrix idea for stage gimmicks

35. Buddy Guy moved to Chicago in 1957 moved to Chicago in 1957 Met and taught by Muddy Waters Met and taught by Muddy Waters 1960 influence felt on British bands 1960 influence felt on British bands American Folk Blues festival in London American Folk Blues festival in London Eric Clapton, Rolling Stones, Rod Stewart Eric Clapton, Rolling Stones, Rod Stewart

36. Buddy Guy 1969 headliner on concert that featured Eric Clapton and Led Zeppelin 1969 headliner on concert that featured Eric Clapton and Led Zeppelin Bridge between blues and rock and roll Bridge between blues and rock and roll Huge influence on Stevie Ray Vaughn, Clapton, Zeppelin, Hendrix, Rolling Stones, Huge influence on Stevie Ray Vaughn, Clapton, Zeppelin, Hendrix, Rolling Stones, Used distortion, and feed back (like Hendrix) Used distortion, and feed back (like Hendrix) Buddy Guy was to blues what Elvis was to Rock Buddy Guy was to blues what Elvis was to Rock Inducted into Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Inducted into Rock and Roll Hall of Fame 5 Grammy awards 5 Grammy awards 23 W. C. Handy awards 23 W. C. Handy awards Billboard Musician of the Century award Billboard Musician of the Century award Congressional Medal of Arts Congressional Medal of Arts

37. Stevie Ray Vaughn 1954-1990 1954-1990 one of the most influential modern blues guitarists one of the most influential modern blues guitarists Huge influence on southern rock Huge influence on southern rock Band was named Double Trouble Band was named Double Trouble

38. Stevie Ray Vaughn Influence on ZZ Top, Lynard Skynard, Doobie Brothers Influence on ZZ Top, Lynard Skynard, Doobie Brothers performed with David bow on his hits China Girl and Let’s Dance performed with David bow on his hits China Girl and Let’s Dance top selling records in the 1980s before drug addiction aught up with him top selling records in the 1980s before drug addiction aught up with him

39. Stevie Ray Vaughn After stint in rehab re-invented his career After stint in rehab re-invented his career Played with Clapton and the fabulous Thunderbirds Played with Clapton and the fabulous Thunderbirds Died in Helicopter crash in 1990 Died in Helicopter crash in 1990 Number 7 on the top 100 guitarists of all times Number 7 on the top 100 guitarists of all times