Finding Joy in the Blues, Pt. 3

The genre of the blues is beautiful. It offers an opportunity to share the combined experiences of the human condition through art. This form has a loose set of rules. Between a Shakespearean sonnet and a child’s nursery rhyme, this music is “easy to feel but hard to play.” Musicians with knowledge of theory, scales, and history can still fail to make it legitimate. Many guitarists can play the blues, but you don’t want to listen to them. At best, they can imitate someone else but fail to convince your soul that they are on the same journey.

Blues music is life. It is the historical account, dreams, and woes of the poor, the lonely, and the aspiring. A common desire of accomplished blues musicians is to keep the blues alive. They want to save this art form. They ask all new musicians to preserve this history and keep it legitimate in the ever-changing cultural landscape.

African Americans as a whole have dismissed the music their ancestors created, only to be shocked when they find that other cultures have embraced and promoted it.

I heard this firsthand back in the eighties from bluesman Buddy Guy. I accidentally stumbled into a conversation he was having with some press before his performance at Blues Alley in Washington, DC. I had bought tickets for my mother and girlfriend to see this famous blues guitarist. We had a front-row seat in this tiny club. We arrived early and chose a seat right in front of the microphone. I climbed the stairs to go to the restroom after a long wait for the show to start and overheard a conversation about blues audiences today versus the past. Seeing me standing outside the curtains that made up the green room, Buddy asked me, “Ain’t that right, Youngblood?” I stepped into the conversation and confirmed his statement that we were indeed one of the few people of color in the audience. Buddy said he was alright with it, as his eyes had been opened earlier in his career when “them British boys came over.” With a glass of cognac in his hand, I accidentally became part of the conversation. I forgot where I was, and after a few minutes that seemed like an hour, I excused myself and went back to my seat, where I was asked a friendly question, “Where the hell have you been?”

Buddy came down the stairs playing his guitar as he approached the stage. He apologized for being late but gave me a fan’s greatest gift when he told everybody he was upstairs “having a nice conversation with a young brother.” I became a lifelong fan after that. It prompted me to learn about Mr. Guy’s history, his influences, and who he influenced. That opened the door to my love of blues history, which I found out is also the history of African Americans.

Blues history is more than just a collection of dates and colorful performers; it's a tapestry that weaves together the stories of Americans. Our personal and collective identities are deeply rooted in history. Knowing where we come from gives us a sense of belonging and continuity. It connects us to our ancestors and helps us understand the evolution of our communities and where we began in this nation. This connection to the past enriches our sense of self and strengthens our cultural heritage. When Buddy, Muddy Waters, or BB King told their proteges, not to forget the blues, this is what they were also talking about. It was more than the music.

Blues music can be divided into regions. It has evolved into various styles over the years, each with its own unique characteristics and history. To the uninitiated, blues is all the same. It is not.

Here are some of the most notable styles:

1. Delta Blues: Originating from the Mississippi Delta, this is one of the earliest forms of blues. It features acoustic guitar and harmonica, with a raw and emotive sound.

2. Hill Country Blues: A unique and captivating style of blues music that originates from the hilly regions of North Mississippi.

3. Chicago Blues: This style emerged in the urban environment of Chicago. It incorporates electric guitars, harmonicas, and a full band, creating a more amplified and rhythmic sound.

4. Texas Blues: Known for its swing and shuffle rhythms, Texas Blues often features guitar solos and a more laid-back feel.

5. Piedmont Blues: Originating from the southeastern United States, this style is characterized by a fingerpicking guitar technique and a ragtime-based rhythm.

6. Swing Blues: Swing blues is a lively and rhythmic style of blues music that blends elements of jazz and swing.

7. Jump Blues: A precursor to rhythm and blues and rock and roll, Jump Blues is upbeat and features brass instruments, making it great for dancing.

8. British Blues: This style emerged in the UK in the 1960s, heavily influenced by American blues artists. It played a significant role in the development of rock music.

9. Contemporary Blues: Modern blues artists blend traditional blues elements with other genres like rock, jazz, and soul, creating a diverse and evolving sound.

10. New Orleans Blues: This subgenre blends elements of blues, jazz, and Caribbean music, creating a distinctive sound characterized by its upbeat tempo and soulful melodies.

I am excited to share this knowledge, which contributes to the joy I feel from its discovery.

The blues is more than just a genre of music; it's a profound expression of the human experience. It captures the essence of life's struggles, dreams, and triumphs, weaving together the stories of individuals and communities. From the raw emotion of Delta Blues to the rhythmic swing of Texas Blues, each style offers a unique glimpse into the rich tapestry of American history and culture. As we continue to embrace and preserve this art form, we honor the legacy of those who came before us and ensure that the blues remains a vibrant and enduring part of our collective heritage. Whether you're a musician or a fan, the blues invites you to connect with its soulful melodies and timeless stories, reminding us all of the power of music to unite and inspire.

This lack of appreciation for the blues was evident at my first nursing home performance. I was playing blues instrumentals and alternating between Christmas music when one of the more vocal residents shouted out, “We are already dying, don’t play no blues.” I asked, "What do you want to hear then?" She responded, "Do you know any Go-Go?" I was amazed. I had wrongly assumed that this was my ideal audience.

The next year, a thousand miles away, while performing the same music, I was received with cheers and requests to play some Hill Country blues. I wasn’t familiar with it and had to say, "Next year, I will." The request to play some BB King warmed my soul, though. I am not good enough yet to cover the “King of the Blues,” but I aspire to.

After a few decades of seeing more non-African American cultures embracing the blues, I believe it is because of the:

(1)    Universal Themes

The blues speaks to universal human experiences such as love, loss, hardship, and resilience. These themes resonate with people from all backgrounds, making the music relatable and emotionally powerful.

(2)     Musical Influence

The blues has had a profound impact on many other genres, including rock, jazz, and country. Musicians from various cultures have been influenced by the blues, incorporating its elements into their own music and helping to spread its appeal.

(3)     Cultural Exchange

The blues has been embraced by musicians and audiences worldwide through cultural exchange. For example, British musicians in the 1960s, like The Rolling Stones and Eric Clapton, were heavily influenced by American blues artists. Their success helped introduce the blues to a broader audience.

(4)     Artistic Appreciation

Many people appreciate the blues for its artistic and historical significance. The raw emotion, storytelling, and musical complexity of the blues are admired by music enthusiasts and scholars alike.

In short, I believe it is the blues' ability to connect with people on a deep emotional level and its significant influence on modern music make it a beloved genre across cultures.