Blues: The Basics

<p><em><strong>Blues: The Basics</strong></em> offers a concise introduction to a century of the blues. Organized chronologically, it focuses on the major eras in the growth and development of this popular musical style. Material includes:</p><ul> <p> </p> <li>a definition of the blues and the major genres within it</li> <p> </p> <li>key artists such as Ma Rainey, Bessie Smith, Robert Johnson and Blind Lemon Jefferson</li> <p> </p> <li>key recordings</li> </ul><p>Complete with timelines and suggestions for further investigation, this fascinating overview is ideal for students and interested listeners.</p> Introduction, Some Caveats, 1 The Roots of The Blues: 1619–1919, 2 The 1920s: Documented Beginnings of the Classic and Rural Blues, 3 The Folk Blues: 1920–1940, 4 Rhythm and Blues and the Beginning of Electric Blues: 1940–1960, 5 The Blues Revival: 1960–1980, 6 The New Generation of Blues Artists: 1980–Today, Appendix, Index