The Best of Urban Blues Music
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Find the best urban blues music here. We will keep you up to date with the latest and greatest in urban blues music.
What is Urban Blues?
The best of Urban Blues music is a collection of songs that were popular in the African American community in the early to mid twentieth century. The music is a mix of African and European influences, and it often has a more soulful sound than other types of blues music. Urban blues often tells stories about the struggles of life in the city, and it often has a more personal feel than other types of blues music.
The Origins of Urban Blues
The origins of urban blues are often traced back to the 1920s, when the music began to be heard in cities like Chicago, New Orleans, and St. Louis. It was a combination of African-American music traditions, including work songs, spirituals, and the sounds of the Mississippi Delta. The music was raw and deeply emotional, reflecting the struggles of African Americans living in poverty in the urban North. Urban blues became hugely popular in the 1930s and 1940s, with artists like Muddy Waters, T-Bone Walker, and B.B. King becoming stars. In the 1950s, electric guitars and other new technologies helped to give birth to rock and roll, which would go on to dominate popular music for decades. But urban blues has remained a vital part of American music, influencing artists as diverse as Bob Dylan, Eric Clapton, and Stevie Ray Vaughan.
The Best of Urban Blues Music
There are many different genres of music out there, but one genre that often gets overlooked is urban blues. Urban blues is a genre of music that is a mix of traditional blues, jazz, and soul. This type of music is often upbeat and can be a great way to get your groove on. Let’s take a look at some of the best urban blues songs.
Muddy Waters
Muddy Waters was an American blues singer-songwriter and musician who is often cited as the “father of modern Chicago blues”, and an important figure on the post-war blues scene. His powerful, deep voice combined with his virtuosity on the guitar made him one of the most respected blues artists of his generation. During his career, he recorded many songs that became hits, including “Hoochie Coochie Man”, “I Just Wanna Make Love to You” and “Mannish Boy”. He also played a significant role in popularizing electric blues guitar.
Howlin’ Wolf
Born Chester Arthur Burnett in 1910 in White Station, Mississippi, Howlin’ Wolf is one of the architects of the urban blues sound. With a deep, resonant voice and a lumbering stage presence, Wolf exuded an intimidating aura that was offset by his warm personality and good-natured humor. He was also a masterful songwriter, penning such classics as “Smokestack Lightning,” “Killing Floor,” and “Spoonful.” A major influence on artists like Jimi Hendrix, Rolling Stones, and Led Zeppelin, Wolf helped shaped the sound of modern rock & roll.
John Lee Hooker
John Lee Hooker was born in rural Mississippi in the early 1920s and rose to become one of the most influential figures in electric blues music. He was known for his unique, driving style and for his ability to improvise on the guitar. His best-known tunes include “Boom Boom,” “I’m in the Mood,” and “One Bourbon, One Scotch, One Beer.” Hooker’s music has been covered by a wide range of artists, including Eric Clapton, Carlos Santana, and Stevie Ray Vaughan.
The Future of Urban Blues
The future of urban blues is in good hands with a new generation of artists carrying on the tradition while infusing it with new energy and ideas. While the older generation of blues artists are still active and relevant, these newer artists are helping to ensure that the genre remains fresh and relevant for years to come.
Some of the most promising new talents in urban blues include Marquise Knox, Toronzo Cannon, Shemekia Copeland, and Vintage Trouble. Each of these artists has their own unique style and approach to the genre, but all share a deep respect for the traditions of urban blues. At the same time, they are not afraid to experiment and push the boundaries of what urban blues can be.
Marquise Knox is one of the most promising young talents in urban blues today. Hailing from St. Louis, Missouri, Knox got his start playing in local clubs before self-releasing his debut album in 2012. since then, he has garnered critical acclaim for his dynamic guitar playing and soulful vocals. His most recent album, Here I Am, was released in 2016 to widespread acclaim.
Toronzo Cannon is another exciting new voice in urban blues. A native of Chicago, Cannon began his career as a bus driver before turning to music full-time. He released his debut album in 2011 and has since become one of the most respected figures in contemporary urban blues. His 2016 album The Chicago Way was hailed as a modern classic by many critics.
Shemekia Copeland is a third-generation urban blues artist who is carrying on the legacy of her father, the late Texas Guitar legend Johnny Copeland. She released her debut album in 1998 and has since gone on to release eight studio albums. Her most recent album, America’s Child, was released in 2018 to critical acclaim.
Finally, Vintage Trouble is a band that is helping to bring urban blues to a whole new audience. Formed in 2010, the band has released three albums that have been praised for their mix of vintage sounds and modern energy. Their most recent album, Chapter II: Anthemic Anthems for Festivals & Funerals was released in 2019 to great acclaim
