Blues

• Where did blues music originate?

  Blues music originated in America.
• How did blues music evolve?

  Blues evolved from earlier forms of folk music within the African-American community.
• What type of songs were included in the repertoire of blues music?


  Blues music included work songs and community songs.
• What are the key identifiable features of blues music?


  • 12-bar blues chord sequence
  • AAB lyrical structure
  • Themes of heartbreak, work, and suffering
• What is the 12-bar blues chord sequence?


  The 12-bar blues chord sequence is V, IV, I, I, V, IV, I, I, V, IV, I, V.
• How are the chord sequence and lyrical structure of blues music related?


  The chord sequence is closely linked with the lyrical structure and they complement each other.
• What is the AAB structure in blues lyrics?


  The AAB structure consists of the first two lines being the same, followed by a different third line.
• What themes do traditional blues lyrics typically address?


  Traditional blues lyrics typically address themes of heartbreak, work, and suffering.
• What did Bleeding Gums Murphy say about the blues?


  He said that the blues isn't about making you feel better, it's about making other people feel worse.
• How has blues music developed over the last 100 years?

  Blues music has developed to include a wider range of chords and different time signatures.
• Who is one of the most influential blues artists from the 1930s?

  Robert Johnson is one of the most influential blues artists from the 1930s.
• What is notable about Robert Johnson's career?


  Robert Johnson's career was very short, but he released many recordings that have been widely covered.
• Which famous musician covered Robert Johnson's recordings?


  Eric Clapton covered Robert Johnson's recordings.
• How did many blues artists transition into rock 'n' roll?


  Many blues artists, including Bo Diddley, crossed into rock 'n' roll, blurring the boundaries between the two genres.
• How has the 12-bar blues pattern been maintained in blues music?


  The 12-bar blues pattern has been maintained while developing rich content and changing structural elements.
• What have artists like Joe Bonamassa done with blues music?


  Artists like Joe Bonamassa have expanded the harmonic structure while retaining blues elements in their music.
• What are the characteristics of modern blues music?

  • Broader range of harmonic structures
  • Retains lyrical themes of traditional blues
  • Incorporates elements of rock music
  • Uses a wider range of musical elements