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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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Included:

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Luther "Guitar Jr." Johnson, 1992

Etta James, 1991

Pinetop Perkins, 1988

Arthur "Big Boy" Crudup, 1973

Sonny Terry, 1978

Mississippi John Hurt

Wendell Holmes, 1996

Jimi Hendrix

Professor Longhair, 1973

Jimmy Johnson, 1991

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

James Cotton, 1979

House of Blues Button

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

Preston Fulp, 1992

W.C. Handy

Sam Myers, 1994

Clarence Hollimon, 1992

Buddy Collette, 1991

Noble "Thin Man" Watts, 1986

Carey Bell, 1988

Johnny "Clyde" Copeland, 1988

Neal Pattman, 1992

Luther Allison, 1994


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