The Best of Florida Blues Music

Check out some of the best Florida blues musicians and bands that you can find throughout the state!

What is the Florida blues?

The Florida blues is a genre of music that evolved from the work songs, field hollers, and spirituals of African-American laborers in the state of Florida. The style is characterized by its use of the slide guitar, a thumping bass beat, and a call-and-response vocal style. The Florida blues began to gain popularity in the early twentieth century, as recording artists such as W.C. Handy and Lead Belly began to popularize the genre. In the 1940s and 1950s, the Florida blues scene flourished with the help of artists such as Tampa Red, Muddy Waters, and John Lee Hooker. Today, the Florida blues is alive and well, with artists such as Keb’ Mo’, Shemekia Copeland, and Trombone Shorty keeping the tradition alive.

The history of the Florida blues

The Florida blues is a style of blues music that developed in the early 20th century in the Gulf Coast region of the United States. It is a subgenre of the American Southern blues.

The earliest known use of the term “Florida blues” was in a newspaper article from December 1920 in The Miami Metropolis. The Florida blues evolved from the work songs and field hollers of African-American laborers who worked in the turpentine camps and lumber mills of northern Florida. This type of work song was first documented by musicologist Howard Odum in his 1912 book Negro Work Songs and Their Meaning.

The Florida blues began to develop into its own distinct genre in the 1920s, whenPrimus Turner, Lucille Bogan, and Blind Blake recorded for record labels such as Vocalion Records and Okeh Records. These artists were influenced by other genres of music such as jazz and gospel. The sound of the Florida blues is distinguished by its use of slide guitar, which was popularized by Blind Willie McTell, and by its focus on lyrical themes such as sex, gambling, and alcohol.

The Florida blues reached its height of popularity in the 1940s and 1950s with the rise of artists such as Amos Milburn, Guitar Slim, Johnny’Jon-O’ Moke, Smiley Lewis, Lazy Lester, Jimmy McCracklin, and James Cotton. In 1947, Milburn’s hit song “Chicken Shack Boogie” helped to make slide guitar more popular among blues musicians. During this time period, many Florida-based artists toured extensively throughout the United States and Europe.

The Florida blues began to decline in popularity in the 1960s with the rise of rock music. However, several Florida-based artists such as John Lee Hooker and Otis Spann continued to find success during this time period. In recent years, there has been a renewed interest in the Florida blues, with younger generations of musicians finding inspiration in the work of earlier generations.

The best of Florida blues music

If you’re a fan of the blues, then you’ll want to check out the best of Florida blues music. Florida has a long and rich history of blues music, dating back to the early 20th century. The state has produced some of the genre’s most iconic figures, including Blind Lemon Jefferson, B.B. King, and T-Bone Walker.

In recent years, Florida has continued to be a hotbed for blues music, with a new generation of artists carrying on the tradition. If you’re looking for some great Florida blues music to add to your collection, here are some of the best artists to check out.

The future of the Florida blues

The future of the Florida blues is in good hands with a new generation of young, talented musicians carrying on the tradition. The state has a rich history of blues music, dating back to the early 20th century, and it remains an important part of the state’s musical heritage. There are many venues across Florida that feature live blues music, and there are also a number of festivals dedicated to the genre. With its wide variety of styles, from country-blues to electric slide guitar, there is something for everyone in Florida blues.