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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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Included:

  • Remove Date: 1960s close

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

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

Junior Wells

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

Muddy Waters

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

Ray Charles

Jimi Hendrix

The Roots of Lightnin' Hopkins, [sound recording]

Libba Cotten

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

Mississippi John Hurt

Jimi Hendrix

Handwritten lyrics to "You Need Love" by Willie Dixon, signed by Ron Wood

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

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