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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:

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

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

Buddy Guy, 1990

Eddie King, 1989

Gelatin silver print of Lil Green, Queen of The Blues

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

Beverly Plays the Blues

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

Earl King, 1992

B.B. King, 1973

B. B. King

Ray Charles

Muddy Waters and Isaac Washington

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

Clarence "Gatemouth" Brown, 1995

Huddie Ledbetter

Junior Wells, 1994

Little Ed Williams, 1992

Libba Cotten

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

Huddie Ledbetter

Albert Collins, 1991

Huddie Ledbetter

Ethel Waters

Eddie "Blues Man" Kirkland, 1989

Magic Slim, 1991

Bobby "Blue" Bland, 1989

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

Taj Mahal, 1989

Lazy Lester, 1993

Mr. Q, 1992


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