1. The Slave Trade Video Clip : The Middle Passage Performing Blues Together

2. Where did the Blues start? During the 18th and 19th centuries, thousands of people were taken as slaves from Africa to America. For these Africans life became a nightmare. Many died on their long journey by sailing ship. Those that survived were sold in auctions and put to work on farms in the Southern states of America. Families were often split up. Children were taken from their parents and husbands from their wives. The life of slavery was cruel and horrible. Slavery was a nightmare come true. Yet the slaves played and sang music which later influenced music all over the world. From the music of slaves came the Blues!

3. How does this picture make you feel? What would the music be like to match this picture?

4. The Middle Passage journey

5. Blues Music Blues is folk music of the African- Americans. Blues music originated from slaves who worked on the fields of southern USA and who sang about their feelings and problems. Work songs helped slaves synchronize group tasks and eased the burden of hard work.

6. African Drumming & Choirs In Africa, many Africans enjoyed singing & playing drums. They would make music as a community. Their music used lots of interesting rhythms. Work Songs Slaves were forced to work when they arrived in the USA. To pass the time and keep them entertained they sang work songs. They were not allowed to use instruments as they were banned. Spirituals Over time, many slaves began to follow Christianity. This was the religion of their masters. The African slaves went to ‘slave’ churches and sang hymns with a piano. These hymns were called ‘spirituals’. Slavery Abolished (1865) Slavery was no longer allowed in the USA. African- Americans could now create their own music. They were allowed instruments. Simple Blues Robert Johnson created lots of blues pieces for Guitar and voice. The songs are very sad and depressing. African-Americans were very poor. Modern Blues Modern Blues often uses a guitar, bass, drums, vocals and piano. They are traditionally very sad, but some modern Blues pieces are happy. The History of the Blues Modern Blues Modern Blues often uses a guitar, bass, drums, vocals and piano. They are traditionally very sad, but some modern Blues pieces are happy.