Highlights in the History of Chicago Blues
There is much dispute about where the blues music originated because regions in which African-American communities reside have been weaving their own brand of the musical genre simultaneously in the beginning. For people in Chicago, the blues scene came about during the 1920s as a result of a period known as “Great Migration”. During this time, black workers and musicians from the south aspired to find economic stability in urban areas like Chicago and Detroit. As the black communities grew, opportunities for showcasing and introducing music forms increased as well. This gave way to the establishment of the Chicago’s version of blues. Chicago blues is essentially an amplified version of the Delta blues. Instruments such as the drums, bass, piano, sometimes the saxophone are added to the electric guitar and amplified harmonica to create a livelier version.
The Great Depression equates to bad news and the music industry was not spared. Record sales declined along with the economic slowdown. As a result, migration of musicians declined as well yet Chicago remained a nurturing ground as artists awaited the revival of the music industry. Establishment of local labels like Bluebird during wartime paved the way for Chicago’s launching as the national center for blues recording. The opening of clubs and other venues expanded the reach of the blues. By 1950s, the Chicago blues was a thriving genre.
As new labels like Chess emerged several blues artists were given a shot for recognition. Among the Chess artists, Muddy Waters, Willie Dixon and Howlin’ Wolf became the gods of the Chicago blues genre. Their distinct sounds redefined pop music and became the founding elements for future genres including rock. Further popularization of the blues was enabled by disc jockeys like Al Benson as they made sure that blues records produced by the new labels had public exposure. Since the late 1960s, the blues gained new audiences as enthusiasts became interested with the roots of rock and roll. In 1984, an annual blues festival was inaugurated. This led to the preservation and recognition of blues music in the years to come.
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