The History of Blues Music: Part 2

February 27, 2010 by DaleR
Filed under: Blues History

The Blues sub-genre sometimes referred to as Country Blues was a reflection of the lives of the people in the rural South. The ex-slaves were no longer under the legal ownership of the rich farm owners but they were just as much under their control. Sharecroppers found it hard to break even and rarely made enough money to get ahead financially. The music they developed in the Mississippi Delta is often referred to as “Delta Blues.” Many people who were fortunate to have been trained on musical instruments found life to be better traveling from community to community performing songs that focused on a better life, sex, love, and life’s trials. Most of the early musicians were men.

African-Americans began to move to the larger cities such as New Orleans and

and these people brought their own brand of music with them. As they settled in these areas, it led to Blues music becoming much more urban-orientated. The music evolved as their way of life evolved. Male or female vocalists began to appear more regularly, and there was now the addition of a single pian

Memphis. They went in search of work and a better life. As they moved, they took their music with them.As they settled into the cities, the music began to reflect thier new ways of life. Since they no longer had to travel from community to community, it was possible for more women to become singers. There were both women and men who vould not play instruments but could sing that were being recognized. New isntruments were being added such as the piano.

The Blues was taking on a new character.