The Best Books About Blues Music

Looking for the best books about blues music? Check out our list of top picks, including books on the history of the genre, biographies of famous blues musicians, and more.

The Best Books about the History of Blues Music

The history of the blues is a story of hardship, endurance, determination, and triumph. It is the story of a group of people who persevered through slavery, Jim Crow laws, and discrimination to create a uniquely American genre of music.

If you want to learn more about the history of the blues, there are a few great books you can check out. Here are some of our favorites:

“The History of the Blues” by Francis Davis: This book chronicles the entire history of the blues, from its African roots to its modern incarnations. Davis interviewed dozens of blues musicians and historians to create this comprehensive and engaging history.

“Deep Blues” by Robert Palmer: Palmer takes readers on a journey through the Mississippi Delta, exploring the origins of the blues through the stories of the people who created it. He also profiles some of the most important figures in blues history, including Muddy Waters and Robert Johnson.

“Feel Like Going Home” by Peter Guralnick: In this book, Guralnick turns his attention to the post-war blues scene, profiling some of the most important figures in electric blues. He also traces the influence of the blues on rock ‘n’ roll and other genres.

“The Soul Of The Man” by DavidEvans: Evans focuses on three major figures in delta blues:Charley Patton, Son House, and Willie Brown. Through their stories, Evans paints a picture of life in the Mississippi Delta during the early days of the blues.

The Best Biographies of Famous Blues Musicians

1.Mississippi Blues: The Biography of Muddy Waters by Robert Gordon

2.Deep Blues: A Musical and Cultural History of the Mississippi Delta by Robert Palmer

3.B.B. King: The Illustrated Story of the Legendary Blues Singer by Surfdoggy ™ Publishing

4.The Life and Times of John Lee Hooker by Charles Shaar Murray

5.Funk: The Music, The People, and the Rhythm of The One by Rickey Vincent

The Best Books about the Business Side of the Blues Music Industry

The business side of the blues music industry can be a tough nut to crack, but these books can help shed some light on the subject. From books that delve into the history of the industry to ones that offer advice on how to make it in the business, these reads are essential for any blues fan who wants to get a better understanding of the behind-the-scenes world of the music business.

The Best Books about the Technology of Playing the Blues

The technology of playing the blues has changed a lot over the years, and there have been some great books written about it. Here are some of the best:

“The Technology of the Blues” by Frank Zappa – This book is a must-read for any serious blues player. It covers everything from how to get started playing the blues to how to use modern technology to create new sounds.

“The Art of Blues Guitar” by Billy Gibbons – Billy Gibbons is one of the most respected guitarists in the world, and in this book he shares his knowledge of the blues. He covers everything from choosing the right guitar to playing slide guitar.

“The History of the Blues” by Paul Oliver – This is a comprehensive history of the blues, from its roots in African-American culture to its modern incarnations. Oliver interviewed many of the biggest names in blues history, and his book is essential reading for any fan of the genre.

The Best Books about the Lyrics and Meaning of Blues Songs

The lyrics and meanings of blues songs have been the subject of much debate and analysis. There are a number of great books that have been written on the subject. Here are some of the best:

“The Blues Lyrics: An Annotated Anthology” by Robert Palmer

This book is a collection of more than 500 blues lyrics, along with commentary and analysis by music critic Robert Palmer. It is considered to be one of the most comprehensive books on the subject.

“The American Plantation Song” by Joyce Moss and George Hobson

This book explores the origins and meanings of plantation songs, which were sung by slaves in the American South. The authors provide a detailed analysis of the lyrics and their historical context.

“The Origins of the Blues” by Paul Oliver

In this book, historian Paul Oliver traces the origins of the blues back to its African roots. He provides a detailed account of how the music developed and evolved over time.

“The History of the Blues” by Francis Davis

In this fully revised and updated edition, Davis gives a comprehensive history of the blues, from its roots in Africa through its development in the United States. He discusses the major figures in blues history, as well as the social and economic conditions that shaped the music.