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A Brief History of Blues Music
Blues music, with its deep roots in African-American history, originated in the Deep South of the United States around the late 19th century. Emerging from spirituals, work songs, field hollers, and chants, blues music became a powerful voice for the African-American experience, expressing the pain, struggles, and hopes of its people.

The early 20th century saw blues evolve into a distinct genre with pioneers like W.C. Handy, often referred to as the "Father of the Blues." The 1920s and 1930s brought the first recordings of blues music, with artists like Robert Johnson, Bessie Smith, and Blind Lemon Jefferson gaining prominence. The genre further diversified into sub-genres like Delta blues, Chicago blues, and Texas blues. By the mid-20th century, blues had a profound influence on the development of jazz, rock and roll, and R&B, solidifying its place in music history.

"The blues was like that problem child that you may have had in the family. You was a little bit ashamed to let anybody see him, but you loved him. You just didn't know how other people would take it." ~ B.B. King (1925–2015) 

Top 3 Blues Legends in the World

B.B. King
Riley B. King, known as B.B. King, is one of the most iconic figures in blues music. Born in Mississippi in 1925, King is renowned for his expressive guitar playing and soulful voice. His unique playing style, characterized by complex string bends and vibrato, earned him the title "The King of the Blues." With over 50 albums and countless awards, including 15 Grammy Awards, B.B. King's influence on the blues genre is unparalleled.

Fun Fact: B.B. King's guitar, named Lucille, became legendary after an incident in which he risked his life to save it from a burning building.

Muddy Waters

Born McKinley Morganfield in 1913, Muddy Waters is often hailed as the father of modern Chicago blues. His move from Mississippi to Chicago in the 1940s marked a significant shift in blues music, blending traditional Delta blues with electric instruments. Muddy Waters' powerful vocals and electric guitar work influenced countless musicians, and his songs like "Hoochie Coochie Man" and "Mannish Boy" are blues staples.

Fun Fact: The Rolling Stones named their band after Muddy Waters' song "Rollin' Stone."

Robert Johnson
Robert Johnson, a legendary figure in blues music, is shrouded in mystery and myth. Born in 1911 in Mississippi, Johnson's life and career were short but impactful. He is best known for his exceptional guitar skills and haunting vocals. Despite recording only 29 songs, his influence on blues and rock music is profound. Songs like "Cross Road Blues" and "Sweet Home Chicago" remain timeless classics.

Fun Fact: A popular legend claims Robert Johnson gained his extraordinary talent by making a deal with the devil at a crossroads.

Album Sales and the Blues Revival
While blues music may not dominate the charts like some other genres, its impact and legacy are immeasurable. Albums by blues legends continue to sell well, especially on vinyl, as enthusiasts and collectors seek the authentic sound of classic blues recordings. The genre experienced a revival in the 1960s and 1970s, with British and American rock bands drawing inspiration from blues, leading to a renewed interest and appreciation for the original blues artists.

Cool things you might not know about Blues Music

• The blues scale, a six-note scale, is fundamental to blues music and has influenced many other genres, including rock, jazz, and hip-hop. 
• The 12-bar blues progression is one of the most common chord progressions in popular music and serves as the foundation for countless blues songs.
  Annual blues festivals, such as the Chicago Blues Festival and the King Biscuit Blues Festival, celebrate the genre and attract thousands of fans from around the world. 
• Annual blues festivals, such as the Chicago Blues Festival and the King Biscuit Blues Festival, celebrate the genre and attract thousands of fans from around the world. 

Blues music, with its rich history and soulful sound, continues to resonate with audiences worldwide. From the timeless recordings of B.B. King, Muddy Waters, and Robert Johnson to contemporary blues artists, the genre's emotional depth and musical innovation remain as powerful as ever.

Explore our collection of blues music at Rockaway Records, where you can find a vast selection of CDs, vinyl, and memorabilia from your favourite blues artists. Visit us online or at our physical store to dive deeper into the world of blues!

"They hear it come out, but they don't know how it got there. They don't understand that's life's way of talking. You don't sing to feel better. You sing 'cause that's a way of understanding life." ~ Ma Rainey (1882 or 1886–1939)