My Personal History of the Blues: Part 2
Well, Leroy Pearson got my attention with Elmore James. I started to listen to his radio program every week. I made sure I was home and on time for the show. It was followed by a folk music show that played on Navy Pier in Chicago and I made sure I listened to both programs weekly but the blues show was what it was all about for me. I started to play blues on the guitar, buy blues records, and attend shows and festivals.
Blues Festivals: Part 1
There seems to be more Blues festivals across the country every year. The first Blues festival I attended was in St. Louis. Actually, I went to the festival in St. Louis for several years. I think that the first made more of an impression than the others or maybe the have all just melded together and I can no longer separate the first from the others. I can, however remember the last one I attended.
The History of Blues Music: Part 3
Blues music took off. People in the music industry began to notice the Blues performers and their songs. More songs were made public and more songs were written. The record and sheet music companies began to market Blues music. Blues became so popular that a lot of music was released with the word Blues in the title that were not actually Blues. As the listeners increased the Blues became to be considered more middle of the road. People could go out and hear Blues music in places that would have never promoted that style of music before.
Some Thoughts on Much of Modern Music History: Part 2
We have covered the African-American influence on Rock and Roll and Bluegrass Music. Of course, Blues Music is still going strong in lots of venues and a lot of areas of the country. Maybe it is stronger than ever before. It is also my favorite music as I stated in my first post.
Big Bill Broonzy: Part 3
Broonzy’s European tour proved successful. He received standing ovations and critical praise. Back in the states he began touring with folk artists such a Pete Seeger and Leadbelly. He became more financially secure and was able to stop working outside of the music business. His music went back to the more folk oriented style of blues and began touring .
Some thoughts on Much of Modern Music History: Part 1
When I look at most of the music that I hear today I can trace the roots of that music right back to an African-American heritage. Well all right. I don’t think that there is much African-American heritage in Opera but then again I don’t listen to Opera of my own free will. I do listen to Classical Music more than occasionally and ,with some exceptions, there is not much African-American influence there.
Willie Brown
It appears that there may have been at least two Delta Bluesmen named Willie Brown. We do know that there was a Willie Brown that was a guitar player and is credited with writing the song ” Mississippi Blues.” The movie “Crossroads” with Ralph Machio describes him as a harmonica player and it is possible that he was.
Big Bill Broonzy: Part 2
Lester Melrose and producer for a number of labels, Champion and Gerrett Records. Broonzy released several sides in 1931 under the name of Big Bill Johnson. He then went to New Yourk and recorded more sides for other record companies. Some of these recordings became better known and he went back tp Chicago and began playing in the South Side clubs and toured with Memphis Minnie.
Blues Music History
W. C. Handy is said to be responsible for Blues as we know it today.. It has been reported that one day he heard a man playing and singing some music that was unlike anything he had ever heard before.. He was impressed by the music and copied the style and went on to write the Memphis Blues, The St. Loiuis Blues and many others.
Blues Festivals: Part 2
Another blues festival stands out in my mind was a festival that was set up so that once inside the paid areas that had more than one stage for daytime and then reduced to just the main stage in the evening after dark. The main stage was at the bottom of a small hill and at the top of the hill was a tent where you could find a little shade. I believe this was in very early September, maybe Labor Day weekend. anyway it was hot. My family and I were sitting in chairs at the edge of the tent. Just upwind from us there was a Salsa vendor and every time they would cut up another bunch of peppers it was strong enough to make our eyes water. I believe this to be the festival where I ate some alligator on a stick. I was not real impressed. There was so much spicy breading on the meat that I wasn’t able to taste the meat. Maybe so I wouldn’t notice that it tasted like chicken.
