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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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Excluded:

  • Remove Date: 1990s close

Sonny Terry, 1978

Mississippi John Hurt

Jimi Hendrix

Professor Longhair, 1973

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

Blues

James Cotton, 1979

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"

W.C. Handy

Noble "Thin Man" Watts, 1986

Rosco Gordon & The Blues Blizzard

Johnny "Clyde" Copeland, 1988

Otis Rush & His Chicago Blues Band / Grateful Dead / The Canned Heat Blues Band

Mamie Smith sings the 'Crazy Blues'


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