Modern Blues:
Modern Blues
Crossroads:
Crossroads
Blues Rewind:
Blues Rewind Birth of an American Art Form Late 1800’s Mississippi Delta African American rhythmic “work songs” Image available at http://nps.gov
Gertrude “Ma” Rainey (1886-1939):
Gertrude “Ma” Rainey (1886-1939) Pioneer of early blues Cabaret singer Vaudeville performer Advocate of women’s rights Image available at: http://www.picsearch.com/pictures/music/blues,%20folk%20!!%20jazz/blues/ma%20rainey.html
Eddie James AKA “Son House” (1902-1988):
Eddie James AKA “Son House” (1902-1988) Church choir member as child Began preaching at 15 years old Began singing and playing blues guitar in 1928 through mid 1970’s Image available at: http://www.picsearch.com/pictures/Music/Blues,%20Folk%20!!%20Jazz/Blues/Son%20House.html
Robert Johnson (1911-1938):
Robert Johnson (1911-1938) Began playing guitar at 16 Influenced by Son House & Lonnie Johnson Legend of the crossroads Johnson influenced Eric Clapton and other modern blues artists Image available at: http://www.picsearch.com/pictures/Music/Classical/Baroque%20era/Robert%20Johnson.html
Bessie Smith (1894-1937):
Bessie Smith (1894-1937) Began singing in the same show as Ma Rainey at age 18. Controversial life and lyrics One of the greatest jazz-blues singers of all time Image available at: http://www.picsearch.com/pictures/music/blues,%20folk%20!!%20jazz/blues/bessie%20smith.html