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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

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

Buddy Guy, 1990

29c Robert Johnson single

29c Muddy Waters single

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

Junior Wells

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

Still Boss of the Blues

29c Bessie Smith single

Beverly Plays the Blues

29c Howlin' Wolf single

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

Earl King, 1992

B.B. King, 1973

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

Muddy Waters, 1983

Bessie Smith, from the unrealized portfolio "Noble Black Women: The Harlem Renaissance and After"

The Two Kings, Elvis Presley with B.B. King at WDIA Goodwill Review, Memphis, TN

Clarence "Gatemouth" Brown, 1995

The Roots of Lightnin' Hopkins, [sound recording]

32c Sonny Terry single

Junior Wells, 1994

Playbill for Ma Rainey's Black Bottom

32c Josh White single

Little Ed Williams, 1992

Josh White, from the portfolio 'O, Write My Name': American Portraits, Harlem Heroes

Albert Collins, 1991


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