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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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Tell Us About Hommage Á Bessie Smith

Lead Belly - "Shout On" [Official Audio]

Jimi Hendrix

Clarence "Gatemouth" Brown, 1995

Lead Belly - "Careless Love" [Official Audio]

Huddie Ledbetter

The Roots of Lightnin' Hopkins, [sound recording]

Royalty Agreement for "Walking Blues"

Junior Wells, 1994

Playbill for Ma Rainey's Black Bottom

Dream Blues; Lost Wandering Blues

Little Ed Williams, 1992

Libba Cotten

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

Huddie Ledbetter

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

Albert Collins, 1991

Huddie Ledbetter

Ethel Waters

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]

Taj Mahal, 1989

Lazy Lester, 1993

St. Louis Blues

Mr. Q, 1992

Brownie McGhee, 1978

Albert King

Charles Brown, 1995

Big Boy Henry, 1992

Papa John Creach, 1994

Barbecue Blues Bust

Carol Fran, 1992


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