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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

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

Buddy Guy, 1990

Eddie King, 1989

Harmonica owned by Big Mama Thornton

Gelatin silver print of Lil Green, Queen of The Blues

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

Still Boss of the Blues

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

Earl King, 1992

B.B. King, 1973

Muddy Waters, 1983

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

Clarence "Gatemouth" Brown, 1995

Junior Wells, 1994

Playbill for Ma Rainey's Black Bottom

Little Ed Williams, 1992

Albert Collins, 1991

Eddie "Blues Man" Kirkland, 1989

Magic Slim, 1991

Bobby "Blue" Bland, 1989

Tuxedo jacket designed by Sy Devore and worn by Nat King Cole in St. Louis Blues

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

Taj Mahal, 1989

Saint Louis Blues

Lazy Lester, 1993

St. Louis Blues

Mr. Q, 1992

Brownie McGhee, 1978

Charles Brown, 1995

Big Boy Henry, 1992

Papa John Creach, 1994

Carol Fran, 1992


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