The Connetions Between Slave Era Music and Country Blues

Many people know that the blues is a music genre that was born out of the hardships experienced by African Americans during the slave era. What fewer people know is that there are strong connections between the music of that era and the country blues that developed later on. In this blog post, we’ll explore those connections and what they tell us about the history of the blues.

The Origins of Country Blues

Country blues is a form of music that evolved from the music of slaves in the American south. This type of music is often characterized by its simple, repetitive lyrics and its use of the blues scale. Country blues was first popularized by artists such as Blind Lemon Jefferson and Robert Johnson.

The British and Irish Influence

The British and Irish Influence on Country Blues- The country blues is a type of music that was developed in the southern United States by African Americans who were influenced by the music of Britain and Ireland. The British and Irish influence on country blues can be heard in the use of electric guitars and drums, as well as in the lyrics of the songs. Country blues often tells stories of love, loss, and heartbreak, and the music is often characterized by its mournful tone.

The African Influence

The African influence is evident in the use of call and response vocals, wide vocal range, and the use of blue notes. The African banjo is thought to be the ancestor of the American banjo, and the music brought over by slaves from Africa was an integral part of the development of country blues.

The African influence can also be seen in the use of syncopated rhythms, which were commonly used in African music. This syncopated rhythm can be heard in songs such as “John Henry” and “Saturday Night Egg Hop”. The use of slides, another staple of country blues, can also be traced back to Africa.

The Development of Country Blues

Although it is not known exactly when or where the first blues song was sung, it is generally agreed that the blues began in the American South sometime in the late 1800s. This new style of music was developed by African Americans who were working on plantations and in other manual labor jobs. The original blues songs were probably created as a way to express the hard life that these workers were living. The blues quickly spread beyond the South and became popular all over the country. Country blues is a type of blues music that developed in the rural southern United States in the 1920s. This style of music is similar to the original blues songs, but it often has a more upbeat sound.

The Rise of the Solo Artist

The rise of the solo artist was one of the most important developments in the history of the blues. Prior to the 1920s, the blues was primarily a group event, with singing and playing happening simultaneously. But with the development of new guitar techniques and a more individualistic approach to songwriting, artists like Robert Johnson and Charley Patton began to emerge as true pioneers in the genre.

The solo artist allowed for a more personal expression of the blues, and this new form quickly began to take hold in cities like Chicago and New York. The popularity of the solo artist would eventually lead to the rise of the blues band, which would become one of the most important institutions in American music.

The Spread of the Country Blues

The country blues spread from the southeastern United States to other parts of the country in the early twentieth century. The music was disseminated by way of commercial recordings, radio broadcasts, and live performances by traveling musicians. The popularity of the country blues was further enhanced by the rise of the urban blues in the 1920s. The urban blues incorporated elements of country blues, but was played with more sophisticated musical accompaniment, such as piano and horns.

Country blues musicians who achieved widespread success include Charley Patton, Blind Lemon Jefferson, and Robert Johnson. Other influential country blues musicians include Mississippi John Hurt, Willie McTell, and Big Bill Broonzy. The country blues has also exerted a significant influence on subsequent genres of music, including rock and roll.

The Connections Between Slave Era Music and Country Blues

Though it is commonly believed that the two styles of music are completely separate, there are in fact many similarities between slave era music and country blues. Both styles of music developed in the American South, and both styles make use of African American vernacular culture. In this paper, I will explore the connections between slave era music and country blues, and argue that the two styles of music are more similar than they are different.

The Call and Response Pattern

The call and response pattern was a common musical form in the African American community, both during and after slavery. This form is still evident in much of today’s black music, including the blues. The call and response typically consists of a solo singer (the “caller”) singing a line or phrase, followed by a group of singers (the “responders”) singing a phrase in harmony. This pattern often repeats itself throughout the song.

The call and response pattern likely originated in Africa, where it was used as a way to communicate between different tribes. This musical form was then brought to America by slaves, who used it as a way to communicate with each other while they worked. The call and response pattern became an important part of the African American musical tradition, and can still be heard in many forms of black music today.

The Use of the Slide Guitar

The slide guitar is a type of guitar that is often associated with the country blues. The slide guitar is played by holding a metal or glass slide (or bottle neck) against the strings while plucking or strumming the chords. This creates a characteristic “sliding” sound.

The slide guitar was first used in the music of the Mississippi Delta in the early 20th century. This style of music was later popularized by artists such as Robert Johnson, Muddy Waters, and Howlin’ Wolf. The slide guitar has also been used in other genres of music, including rock and roll, jazz, and folk.