Blues are an Afro-American music genre, which originated in the southern states of the United States during the American Civil War from 1861 to 1865. African-Americans of that time vouch for some simply narrated ballads to convey their daily melancholy through musical releases. The term ‘Blues’ was collected from George Colman’s one-act charade ‘Blue Devils’ in 1798. Blue devils were interpreted as melancholy and sadness. Before that, the phrase blue devils were mentioned in early 1600 in Britain as well which referred to as ‘intense visual hallucinations that can accompany severe alcohol withdrawal’. And with time the meaning evolved. Blues is a secular folk music form with simple but expressive vocal forms, although there are various instrumental accompanying this music genre.
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Short History
The earliest history of blues is not properly documented, yet the first documented blues number was by New Orleans artist Antonio Maggio, ‘I Got the Blue’ in 1908. But the number ‘The Memphis Blues’ by W.C. Handy and ‘Dallas Blues’ by Hart Wand was widely popular and known blues numbers in 1912. After these music publications, the genre became very popular. The recorded blues numbers were of Mamie Smith in 1920 had her version of American composer and pianist Perry Bradford’s ‘Crazy Blues’ from the 1890s. But the genre gained wide popularity in the 1950s and 1960s.
The density of the blues dynasty has offered some elegant yet empowering musical numbers delivered by various mesmerizing blues singers of all time. The most famous and influential blues performers of all time are;
1. Robert Johnson
He is one of the earliest and most prominent blues artists offered landmark recordings in 1936 and 1937 which were a combination of his eclectic guitar skills and singing qualities. He was born in 1911 and started performing in 1929. His contributions to Delta Blues are recognized as the best. Robert Leroy Johnson received very little appreciation for his contribution to the Blues genre. He mostly performed in the streets to make his music reach a lot of people. It was after his death that his music was reissued and recognized by a larger audience. Robert Johnson is a name, which will stay in a special corner in every Blues lover.
2. Muddy Waters
McKinley Morganfield, widely known as ‘Muddy Waters’, started his career in 1941. He was an important blues figure in the post-war blues category. He is often referred to as the ‘Father of Modern Chicago Blues’. And his playing techniques are described as ‘raining down Delta beatitude’. He played guitar at parties to entertain the attendees at an age of seventeen. Since then he had big dreams to be one of the prominent performers of the Blues genre. His musical styles have influenced the blues genre enormously. He has introduced and infused various styles but the vivid usages of amplification and idiosyncratic interpretation amongst his many, are still seen and heard from various new ages blues artists.
3. Buddy Guy
George ‘Buddy’ Guy is one of the most prominent American blues guitarists and singers. He used to offer various dynamic performances as no other blues performers have. His music and his musical aura have influenced several other performers like Jimi Hendrix, Jeff Beck, Eric Clapton, and many more. He has played and performed with several other blues legends including Muddy Waters and Junior Wells. ‘Stone Crazy’ is still remembered as one of the best guitar songs of all time. The 85 years old singer has eight Grammys to his name by far for his exquisite musical ventures. From his early days with ‘Baton Rouge’ to being a living legend has been the most interesting and inspiring journey for many.
4. Etta James
She is the most beautiful blues singer and has achieved great success for her delicate musical numbers. Despite her oscillating life she always offered songs that melts and prevails under the skin of the listeners. Songs like, ‘Something’s Got a Hold on Me’, ‘The Wallflower’, and ‘I’d Rather Go Blind’ are considered the most profound blues numbers that were ever made. She prolifically managed and sometimes merged the gaps between Rhythm, Blues, and Rock ‘n Roll. She has six Grammys and seventeen Blues music awards to her name. Her voice and her musical aura are timeless and are still relevant and admirable not only to a blues admirer but to any mere music lover.
And finally, The Kings of the Blues
5. B.B. King
Riley B. King, widely known as B.B. King, was a legendary blues singer and songwriter. He introduced some refined blues music formations in his musical career with his vibrant tones. The charms that he could spread with his guitar pieces were exceptional. His guitar solo and the fluency of his string blending of a blues electric guitar had some outstandingly ecstatic vibes. Being born in 1925 he started performing in 1942. He has done over 200 shows in his lifetime. He is mostly referred to as ‘The Kings of the Blues’. His music styles have been imitated and have influenced several Blues performers by far and will continue to do so.
6. Albert King
Albert King Nelson, also known as Albert King, was the greatest guitarist from the blues genre that America has ever witnessed. His musical styles had a huge impact on the blues styles. He was also a part of the name ‘The Kings of the Blues’ for his consuming musical influences. His song ‘Born Under a Bad Sign’ is still considered the most popular blues track by far. The soft vocals even if he had a large body frame are the most extraordinary combination that ever existed. And because of this contradiction and the fact that he drove a bulldozer in one of his earlier jobs, he was called the ‘Velvet Bulldozer’.
7. Freddie King
Freddie King is also considered the ‘Three Kings of Blues Guitar’. He is known for his powerful voice and his musical contribution by playing some soulful guitar pieces is still remembered by every blues follower. His major influence in electric blues has inspired various blues guitarists. His intuitive musical style was offered the best out of his career. His open string sounds are often associated with Texas Blues for the rawness it offers. And his screaming tones were associated with the tunes of West Side, known as Chicago Blues. The album ‘Freddie King Sings’ holds most of his singing talents along with various chart hits like ‘You’ve Got to Love Her with a Feeling’, ‘I’m Tore Down’, and many more.
