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Emancipation Proclamation
The emancipation proclamation initiated the creation and formation of places where African Americans would go to drink and gamble. This brought people together and they taught of the word of blues. -
Period: to
1863-1980 Blues evolution
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Civil War
The Civil war contributed to blues music as the oppression and mistreatment of African Americans at this time resulted in an emotional and heavy style of music. It was an outlet throygh a very hard time for these people. -
Birth of Blind Lemon Johnson
He was born in Coutchman, Texas. Jefferson, born blind, began learning guitar in his early teens. -
Victor Records publishes first African American record
Victor Records issues the first known recordings of African American field hollers known as "Camp Meeting Shouts" -
Development of Blues
1910 marked the beginning of the development of blues music. Throughout the 1910s and on, blues was becoming much more popular and being played a lot more. -
Memphis Blues officially published on paper
This song had a great impact on future music to come. Published by W.C. Handy, the father of blues, it was later performed by many other artists. -
World War II Begins
The world entered what would be one of the most historic and gruesome wars between humankind. This war opened up so many happenings that had an impact on blues music as we now know it. -
Beale Street
The popularity of Beale Street grew as blues mucic became more popular throughout the 20s. Jug bands were also popular in this period -
Blind Lemon Jefferson records first song
Blind Lemon Jefferson, who, going forward would release much more influential music, releases his first song titled Long Lonesome Blues. -
Robert Johnson
Robert Johnson was a very influential musician in his time and influenced the developement of the blues. -
Robert Johnson Death
While performing at a Juke Joint, he was given poisoned whiskey and died 3 days following. He was a great influence on blues music and a wonderful perfomer. -
Jump Blues
In the 40s and 50s, jump blues was a popular more upbeat take on blues. People would dance and sing along to the upbeat and happier genre of blues. -
Blues taken from rural music to city
Muddy Waters contributes to the day in history marked as when blues music was transitoned to the city. -
WWII Ends
The end of WWII increased popularity of blues music as soldiers return home. -
Revival of Blues
In the 80s, the blues music saw a revival through the artists such as Joe Jackson and Brian Setzer.