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Slave Songs Created
Slave songs were the earliest form of blues, where slaves in the United States started to write music about their lives and the conditions they were living in. -
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Important Events in Blues History
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Slave Songs of the United States Published
A book that consisted of 136 African-American songs, that were sung by slaves working the Southern plantations. It is considered the most influential publication of spirituals and folk songs ever published. -
Scott Joplin's Impact
Scott Joplin publishes "Maple Leaf Rag", which influenced the development of early Blues. -
First Piece of Blues Music Published
The first piece of Blues music was published. It was "I got the Blues" by Antonio Maggio. -
The Upcoming of Blues
The first blues songs, including "Memphis Blues" by W.C. Handy, are published as sheet music. -
Blues in World War I
When the United States entered World War I, the internal migration of African-Americans exposed American troops to blues music, leading to a blues music outburst. -
"Crazy Blues"
Mamie Smith's record "Crazy Blues" is also one of the earliest blues music, and started using the term "race" recording. -
New Technology
Electrical recording technology is introduced and makes blues music available for a wider audience. -
The Great Depression Affects Blues Music
During the Great Depression, Southern African-Americans migrated North. Chicago Blues was created and was more powerful than all types before. -
The Electric Guitar
The first recording of an electric guitar was played by Eddie Durnham. -
World War II Affects Blues
Blues popularity increased after soldier returned home from war. John Lee Hooker, Robert Johnson, T-Bone Walker, and others began to gain influence. -
B.B King
B.B. King, known as a Blues legend, had his first major rhythm and blues hit with his piece "Three O'Clock Blues." -
The Beginning of Modern Blues
Muddy Waters, Howling Wolf, Big Mamma Thornton, Lightning Hopkins, and Jimmy Smith begin the modern blues that we know today. -
Expanding Blues
Muddy Waters and B.B. King perform at the Fillmore East, to a predominantly white audience. -
"Year of the Blues"
Congress declared 2003 the "Year of the Blues," commemorating the 100th anniversary of W.C. Handy's inspiration from an unknown early bluesman at a train station.