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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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Broadside for the House of Blues featuring a concert by James Brown and others

Blues

Boogie And Blues

29c Robert Johnson single

Where to Sell Your Soul for the Delta Blues

29c Muddy Waters single

Blues Cruise

29c "Ma" Rainey single

Gelatin silver print of Lil Green, Queen of The Blues

Bobby "Blue" Bland

Mo' Better Blues

29c Bessie Smith single

Junior Wells

29c Howlin' Wolf single

Hommage à Bessie Smith

Albert King / Mott the Hoople / Freddie King

Sugar Blues

32c Sonny Terry single

32c Josh White single

John Cephas and Phil Wiggins discuss the Piedmont blues style

Aretha Franklin, SCLC convention, Club Paradise, Memphis, TN

Saint Louis Blues

1981 Marin County Blues Festival

Oh Daddy Blues [sheet music]

Ernie Watts, 1992

Blues

Ray Charles - Convention Hall, Atlantic City, N.J. - 1980

Down In Memphis -They're Wearing Out Their Shoes, Dancing To "The Blues"

Rosco Gordon & The Blues Blizzard

Otis Rush & His Chicago Blues Band / Grateful Dead / The Canned Heat Blues Band

Mamie Smith sings the 'Crazy Blues'

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