1. Group Blues tunes The Blues

2. Commercialism & Exploitation ● Many blues artists didn't believe in commercialism ● Songs spread by word of mouth ● When Blues became popular many “corrupt” record labels exploited black artists ● For Example, Bessie Smith was paid between $125 - $200 per song ● Due to many African – Americans being unable to read or write they signed contracts without understanding them ● They did not know what royalties were and often did not receive any

3. Blues Artists Robert Johnson

4. ● Born in Mississippi in may 1911 ● Poorly documented life, died at 27 ● Talented blues singer/songwriter and guitar player ● Myth about he learned to play guitar ● Itinerant Musician ● He signed to the American Record Corporation and recorded 29 songs between '36 and '37 ● His songs only became famous in the 60's after his death

5. Robert Johnson ● “Cross Road Blues,” “Love In Vain,” “Hellhound On My Trail,” “I Believe I¹ll Dust My Broom,” “Walking Blues,” “Sweet Home Chicago.” are just some of Johnson's well known songs.Sweet Home Chicago

6. Blues Artists Bessie Smith

7. Bessie Smith – The Empress of the Blues ● Born in Chattanooga in April 1984 ● Most popular female blues singer of the 20's and 30's ● Formed her act in 1913 ● Signed to Columbia records in 1923 and produced 160 records ● Her first release was "Gulf Coast Blues" and "Downhearted Blues"Downhearted Blues ● Died in September 1937 after a car crash

8. References ● “Negro Folk Music U.S.A” by Harold Courlander, 1992 ● Wikipedia – Robert Johnson and Bessie SmithRobert JohnsonBessie Smith ● “Popular Music – The Blues Edition” ● “Robert Johnson Blues Foundation” “Robert Johnson Blues Foundation”