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The Blues are being sung by African Americans
By 1890 it is believed that the Blues style of music is being played and sung by African Americans in the Southern United States. -
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The Blues Timeline
The History of Blues Music. -
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The First Great Migration
During 1910 to 1940 almost six million African Americans migrated from the South to Northern, Midwestern, and Western states to look for work, escape racial discrimination and Jim Crow laws. This migration further lead to the expansion of the Blues sound throughout the country. -
"St. Louis Blues" is published.
African-American composer, W.C. Handy publishes "St. Louis Blues" in 1914, his most famous song. -
The United States goes to war
The United States joins the Allied forces and joins World War I. The war lasts until November 11, 1918. It creates a prosperity within the country allowing for an increase in the sales of records. -
The Delta Blues erupts
By the mid to late1920s the Mississippi Delta Blues has erupted, it is not only being sung, but record producers have started to see the impact that the music is making on the world. Great Blues musicians such as Robert Johnson and Son House start recording their music. -
The Great Depression
The country along with the world falls to the Great Depression. This economic downfall leads to the decrease of record sales and the migration of many looking for work and new opportunities. -
Chicago Blues erupts
Chicago Blues, a new style of Blues with its heavy electrified guitar sound is created. One of the most famous Chicago Blues musician was Muddy Waters. -
"Sweet Home Chicago" written by Robert Johnson
The Blues told the stories of the common man and woman. In Robert Johnson's song he talks about the great migration that took place in the 1930s to Chicago and Detroit in search of work. -
Muddy Waters makes his first recordings.
After moving to Chicago, Muddy begins to write and record music. In 1947 he begins to record his own music. -
B.B. King releases his first Rhythm & Blues version of the hit "Three O'Clock Blues".
Guitar and Blues legend B.B. King released his first big hit in 1952 bringing him to notoriety. With his guitar he became a Blues legend influencing many musicians recording over 40 albums throughout his career. -
Elvis records the Blues
Elvis records Blues legend, Arthur Crudup's song "That's All Right (Mama)", bringing the song more notarity and fame. -
British Rock groups influenced by Blues musicians
British rock groups such as the Rolling Stones, The Who, and Eric Clapton are influenced by the Blues music and their musicians. Their music demonstrates this influence and a new sound is heard in Rock and Roll. -
Texas Blues music scene emerges
A new type of blues erupts, the Texas Blues. It creates distinct sounds with electric guitars. -
The Blues Foundation
The Blues Foundation honors members of the Blues community. They are those that performed, recorded, or documented the Blues. As of today it has over 400 inductees including the great legends that brought the music to the world. -
The "Year of the Blues"
U.S. Congress declares 2003 the "Year of the Blues" on the 100th year anniversary of W.C. Handy's first encounter with a blues musician in Mississippi. -
Guitar legend Eric Clapton releases "Sweet Home Chicago"
Rock guitar legend Eric Clapton was hugely influenced by Blues musicians as he grew up, being one of the first white guitarists to actually record Blues music. He was influenced by Muddy Waters and Robert Johnson. Recording Johnson's previous hit in 2004. -
The Blues Hall of Fame is open to the public
The Blues Hall of Fame is erected in Memphis, Tennessee, a place that many greats once walked and played their music in. Inside its walls are the displays of the over 400 inductees of the Blues Foundation.