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Blues Music Of Yesterday And Today

By Scott Gibson


When it comes to music, there are several popular genres. In most cases, people either buy or download a wide variety. At the same time, blues music can also still be heard at a number of dive bars around the world.

Unlike other genres, the history of the blues is lesser known. In addition, the blues due to the emotional lyrics and dive bars at which many play, often draw a much older crowd. Like the genre itself, it appears it will take some time for music lovers to catch up to these musical offerings of what are some of the greatest musicians in the world.

One of the best estimates as to the beginning of the genre based on an early representation of music is circa 1901. For, it was during this time that music which closely resembled modern days blues came on to the scene. After which, the genre became known during a time in which black workers began singing songs with popular emotional lyrics and technical themes.

As with other genres, there are a number of subsets within the genre. For example, there are acoustic, electric and R&B. One reason this is the case, is that each individual artist often adds elements of individuality whether playing solo or in a band, When it comes to acoustic styles, the sound is most likely as close as one can get to hearing what the genre was like in the beginning.

The genre having been born out of the slave trade much like many hymnals is often considered the beginning of the genre. For, many of the songs were created by slave hands and have been handed down through generations. While some remained closer to an acoustic style, others evolved into modern day styles which now grace many dive bars and festivals around the world.

An original string instrument during that time was the Akonting, while similar to the banjo, the predecessor dates back to a period long before the genre became better known. While banjos have somewhat moved over to the bluegrass genre, slide and pedal guitars are now somewhat front and center when it comes to the blues. Still, having been born out of a style once known as Field and Hollar, the genre has gone through several changes since being recognized in the early 1900s.

Whether due to the history or style, the genre became so popular that there are now a number of societies which promote the genre throughout the world. In addition, most of these societies sponsor blues contests and jams on either an annual or ongoing basis.

In many cases, there are local societies which host contests, then send the winning musician or musicians on to the semi-finals or finals. When it comes to the finals, there is often a large award ceremony. In fact, one of the biggest are the American Blues Awards held in Memphis on an annual basis. During this event, there is a banquet, silent auction and banquet along with contest winners and other artists providing entertainment.




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