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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

Suit Jacket worn by Bobby Rush

Empress of the Blues

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

Vampin' (Piney Brown Blues)

29c Robert Johnson single

Stratocaster Electric Guitar

Where to Sell Your Soul for the Delta Blues

29c Muddy Waters single

Blues Cruise

29c "Ma" Rainey single

Lightnin' Hopkins

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

Junior Wells

Hohner Blues Harp Harmonica, played by Bobby Rush

Bobby "Blue" Bland

B. B. King

Mo' Better Blues

29c Bessie Smith single

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

29c Howlin' Wolf single

Hommage à Bessie Smith

Muddy Waters

Albert King / Mott the Hoople / Freddie King

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

B. B. King

Ray Charles

Muddy Waters and Isaac Washington

Beale Street Blues

Sugar Blues

Good Morning ng Blues; How Long

Bessie Smith


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