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Blues Music
Rough estimate of around when the blues started to present day where it has developed greatly. -
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Early - Begining of blues
The early old style of blues, which utilized many elements from different folk genres and sub-genres -
W.C. Handy discovers the blues
W.C. Handy, widely considered the "father of blues" learns the gene from a guitarist in a train station one night. -
Memphis Blues is written
Considered to be on of the first blue's songs published. This song by W.C. Handy developed the current contemporary style of blue we know today -
W.C. Handy devlops the Memphis blues style
W.C. handy and his band move to Memphis, Tennessee and play their take on the blues that Handy learned. Memphis Blues -
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Swing Music and The Roaring 20's
After prohibition was enacted, speakeasies would have numerous band play this distinct loose style of jazz that contributed to it's music style. Popular Swing Music -
Modern blues
When singers started singing about relatable subjects that touched listeners. This modernized the personal feeling of the blues, and once again, the genre expanded. Some examples of artists were Bessie Smith and Ruth Brown - Urban Blues -
Jug band and Jazz era
Jug bands were first 1923. Their distinct characteristics of playing with a jug about an inch and a half from the mouth and were deeply rooted in more traditional African-American style music. Lasted from 1923-1934 after the 1930's depression saw a decline in the style -
Electric Guitar developed
An important instrument for the electric blues style, the electric guitar was developed and first gaining popularity. -
Blues first boom
once blues struck the Midwest, it was widespread and popularized, regardless of it's roots. -
Blues impact - Country, Rock, Soul
by the 1950's blues had a large impact on American genres. Brass and country blues developed in the hearts of Texas and New Orleans. It also inspired music like rock and roll, originally blues rock, and country music to form its own roots in American musical culture -
B.B. King releases first song
B.B. King, another "king" of the blues era releases his first song, "Three O'Clock Blues" which started his popular run lasting over a decade -
Elvis Presley
First recording of Arthurs Crudup's Song "That's All Right" First Recording -
Blues expands to other countries
Mainly Europe, after it's popularization in America, the blues started going out the country and created several bands such as The Rolling Stones -
British Blues Rock
The Rolling Stones, who popularized British Blues go on tour and gain a lot of traction in America -
Blues is recognized and looked back on
This year of documentaries created by Clint Eastwood, and recognition of W.C. Handy's blues discovery anniversary are celebrated and blues taught throughout.
