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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

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

Boogie And Blues

Empress of the Blues

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

Vampin' (Piney Brown Blues)

Buddy Guy, 1990

29c Robert Johnson single

Where to Sell Your Soul for the Delta Blues

29c Muddy Waters single

Blues Cruise

29c "Ma" Rainey single

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

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

Bobby "Blue" Bland

Mo' Better Blues

Still Boss of the 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

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

Earl King, 1992

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


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