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Blues Music: Iconic Instruments, Images, and Sounds

One of the most influential styles of American music, the Blues is a living tradition with multiple regional styles. Have a listen with the Sounds of the American Blues and The Roots of Rhythm & Blues playlists from Smithsonian Folkways Recordings, and explore our blues-related collection items.


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Blues

B.B. King - Symphony Hall, Boston, Mass. - 1969

Boogie And Blues

Suit Jacket worn by Bobby Rush

Empress of the Blues

Photograph of John Lee Hooker with diagram of the evolution of the blues

Emory Guitar played by Mississippi John Hurt at the 1963 Newport Folk Festival

Vampin' (Piney Brown Blues)

Where to Sell Your Soul for the Delta Blues

Blues Cruise

Eddie King, 1989

Harmonica owned by Big Mama Thornton

Lightnin' Hopkins

Gelatin silver print of Lil Green, Queen of The Blues

John Jackson - "Steamboat Whistle" [Live at The Barns at Wolf Trap 1997]

Junior Wells

Hohner Blues Harp Harmonica, played by Bobby Rush

B.B. King - Symphony Hall, Boston, Mass. - 1969

Still Boss of the Blues

John Jackson performs "Steamboat Whistle"

Dave Van Ronk - "Down South Blues" [Live at The Barns at Wolf Trap 1997]

Junior Wells

Beverly Plays the Blues

B.B. King - Symphony Hall, Boston, Mass. - 1969

Hommage à Bessie Smith

Muddy Waters

B.B. King, 1973

Albert King / Mott the Hoople / Freddie King

Tears don't fall no more [sound recording] : blues and ballads / Lonnie Johnson

Ray Charles

Muddy Waters and Isaac Washington

Beale Street Blues

Muddy Waters, 1983

Sugar Blues

Good Morning ng Blues; How Long


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