1st Edition

Blues: The Basics

By Dick Weissman Copyright 2005
    216 Pages
    by Routledge

    216 Pages
    by Routledge

    Blues: The Basics 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:

    • a definition of the blues and the major genres within it
    • key artists such as Ma Rainey, Bessie Smith, Robert Johnson and Blind Lemon Jefferson
    • key recordings

    Complete with timelines and suggestions for further investigation, this fascinating overview is ideal for students and interested listeners.

    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

    Biography

    Dick Weissman was Associate Professor of Music and Music Industry Studies from 1990-2002 at the University of Colorado at Denver. He has published many books on music, notably The Music Business: Career Opportunities and Self-Defense, now in its third edition. He lives in Portland, OR.