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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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St. Louis Blues

Mr. Q, 1992

1981 Marin County Blues Festival

Brownie McGhee, 1978

Charles Brown, 1995

Big Boy Henry, 1992

Oh Daddy Blues [sheet music]

Papa John Creach, 1994

Barbecue Blues Bust

Carol Fran, 1992

Luther "Guitar Jr." Johnson, 1992

Etta James, 1991

Pinetop Perkins, 1988

Arthur "Big Boy" Crudup, 1973

Sonny Terry, 1978

Wendell Holmes, 1996

Professor Longhair, 1973

Jimmy Johnson, 1991

Ernie Watts, 1992

Somebody Changed the Lock on My Door / Wynonie's Blues

Blues

James Cotton, 1979

House of Blues Button

Handwritten lyrics to "You Need Love" by Willie Dixon, signed by Ron Wood

Ray Charles - Convention Hall, Atlantic City, N.J. - 1980

Down In Memphis -They're Wearing Out Their Shoes, Dancing To "The Blues"

Preston Fulp, 1992

Sam Myers, 1994

Clarence Hollimon, 1992

Buddy Collette, 1991

Noble "Thin Man" Watts, 1986

Carey Bell, 1988

Rosco Gordon & The Blues Blizzard

Johnny "Clyde" Copeland, 1988

Neal Pattman, 1992


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