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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

29c Muddy Waters single

Blues Cruise

29c "Ma" Rainey single

Junior Wells

Hohner Blues Harp Harmonica, played by Bobby Rush

Bobby "Blue" Bland

Mo' Better Blues

29c Bessie Smith single

Junior Wells

Beverly Plays the Blues

29c Howlin' Wolf single

Albert King / Mott the Hoople / Freddie King

Ray Charles

Beale Street Blues

Sugar Blues

Good Morning ng Blues; How Long

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

32c Sonny Terry single

Royalty Agreement for "Walking Blues"

32c Josh White single

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

1981 Marin County Blues Festival

Barbecue Blues Bust

Blues

House of Blues Button

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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