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W.C. Handy publishes first blues music
In 1912, W.C. Handy published some of the first blues songs, including "Memphis Blues" -
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Blues Timeline
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Mamie Smith records "Crazy Blues"
The first big blues hit was "Crazy Blues" recorded by Mamie Smith in 1920 -
Electric recording technology invented
The advent of electrical recording equipment was in 1925. Blues is transmitted to a much wider audience. -
Blind Lemon Jefferson records
Blind Lemon Jefferson's success brought more popularity to blues. -
Blind Willie Johnson records
Blind Willie Johnson blurred the lines between blues and gospel. -
Charley Patton records
Charley Patton influenced many up-and-coming blues musicians. -
Leadbelly performs for white audiences
Huddie Ledbetter, known as Leadbelly, was the first blues singer to perform for white audiences. It was a big deal. -
Robert Johnson records
Robert Johnson records for the first time in San Antonio, Texas. -
Muddy Waters records
Muddy Waters was recorded for the first time in 1941. -
Arthur Crudup records
Arthur "Big Boy" Crudup records "That's Alright Mama". -
Elvis records blues song
In 1954, Elvis Presley recorded Arthur Crudup's song "That's Alright Mama", which made blues a lot more popular. -
Robert Johnson recordings released
In 1961, Robert Johnson's songs were released on LP. It was critical in the popularity of blues outside America. -
Yardbirds record blues songs
Eric Clapton and the Yardbirds recorded blues songs in 1963. The blues become mainstream in Europe. -
John Hurt found alive
John Hurt, thought dead by most, is found alive in Mississippi. He does a tour the same year.
