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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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Earl King, 1992

B.B. King, 1973

Albert King / Mott the Hoople / Freddie King

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

Beale Street Blues

Muddy Waters, 1983

Sugar Blues

Good Morning ng Blues; How Long

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

Tell Us About Hommage Á Bessie Smith

Lead Belly - "Shout On" [Official Audio]

Clarence "Gatemouth" Brown, 1995

Lead Belly - "Careless Love" [Official Audio]

The Roots of Lightnin' Hopkins, [sound recording]

32c Sonny Terry single

Royalty Agreement for "Walking Blues"

Junior Wells, 1994

Playbill for Ma Rainey's Black Bottom

32c Josh White single

Dream Blues; Lost Wandering Blues

Little Ed Williams, 1992

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

Our Native Daughters - "I Knew I Could Fly" [Behind The Scenes Documentary]

Albert Collins, 1991

John Cephas and Phil Wiggins discuss the Piedmont blues style

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

Dave Van Ronk - "Spike Driver Blues" [Live at The Barns At Wolf Trap 1997]

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

Taj Mahal, 1989

Saint Louis Blues

Lazy Lester, 1993


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