Behind the styles of folk, rock ‘n’ roll, jazz, and country & western music is the style of blues. Each of these styles have felt the passion and heartache of the blues during their early years of birth. Their pioneers were well-versed in the structure, melodic and harmonic characteristics of the blues, and utilized the blues as a springboard for their own musical explorations. This Study Unit examines the characteristics, instrumentation, and important contributors to this essential American musical form.
What will you learn in this unit?
- Analyze the cultural influences which helped create blues music.
- Learn the role of the rural birthplaces of early blues.
- Examine the common musical characteristics of blues.
- Discuss musical forms, such as the 12-bar blues, used by the musical style.
- Trace the development of various sub-genres of blues, their characteristics, and uniqueness.
- Learn about some of the influential blues composers and musicians.
- Consider the lasting impact of blues on current American culture.
Study Unit Content
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