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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

Where to Sell Your Soul for the Delta Blues

Eddie King, 1989

Lightnin' Hopkins

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

Junior Wells

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

B. B. King

Still Boss of the Blues

John Jackson performs "Steamboat Whistle"

Dave Van Ronk - "Down South Blues" [Live at The Barns at Wolf Trap 1997]

Beverly Plays the Blues

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

Hommage à Bessie Smith

Earl King, 1992

Muddy Waters

B.B. King, 1973

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

B. B. King

Muddy Waters and Isaac Washington

Beale Street Blues

Muddy Waters, 1983

Bessie Smith

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

Bessie Smith

Tell Us About Hommage Á Bessie Smith

Lead Belly - "Shout On" [Official Audio]


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