The Best of Vocal Blues Music
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Vocal blues is a style of blues music that emphasizes the vocalist’s story-telling ability. The best vocal blues artists are able to convey a wide range of emotions through their singing, making the genre one of the most expressive in all of music.
What is the blues?
The blues is a genre of music that originated in the African-American communities of the American South in the late 19th and early 20th century. It developed from a mix of African musical traditions, European folk music, and spirituals. The blues is characterized by its use of blue notes, rhythmic complexity, and often mournful or sentimental lyrics.
The earliest blues recordings were made in the 1920s by artists such as Mamie Smith and Ma Rainey. The style became popular in the 1930s and 1940s with artists such as Lead Belly, Blind Lemon Jefferson, T-Bone Walker, and Big Bill Broonzy. In the 1950s and 1960s, electric blues guitarists such as Muddy Waters, Howlin’ Wolf, and John Lee Hooker helped to popularize the genre. In the 1970s and 1980s, artists such as Bobby Bland, B.B. King, Albert Collins, and Stevie Ray Vaughan helped to bring the blues to a wider audience.
Where did the blues come from?
The blues is a genre of music that originated in the American South in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The term “blues” refers to the blue notes used in the music, which are slightly flattened third, fifth, and seventh notes of the major scale. The blues has been described as “the MISSISSIPPI DELTA style of vocalese singing”. Blind Lemon Jefferson, T-Bone Walker, and Lead Belly are considered to be some of the earliest practitioners of the blues.
What are the different types of vocal blues?
There are four different types of vocal blues that are commonly performed today. These include:
1. Delta Blues: This style of blues originated in the Mississippi Delta and is characterized by a slow tempo and simple, often improvised, lyrics.
2. Chicago Blues: This style of blues developed in the city of Chicago and is characterized by a more up-tempo sound than Delta blues. It often features electric guitars and harmonica.
3. West Coast Blues: This style of blues developed on the West Coast of the United States and is characterized by a relaxed, laid-back sound.
4. Jazz Blues: This style of blues incorporates elements of jazz into the traditional blues sound. It is characterized by improvisation and complex harmonies.
Who are some of the most famous vocal blues artists?
The vocal blues is a style of blues music that emphasizes the voice of the singer as the primary instrument. The vocal blues emerged from the early 20th century, when African American musicians began performing blues music for both white and black audiences.
The most famous vocal blues artists include Bessie Smith, Big Bill Broonzy, Leadbelly, Blind Lemon Jefferson, and Ma Rainey. These artists helped to popularize the vocal blues style and make it one of the most important genres in American music.
What are some of the best vocal blues songs?
The best vocal blues songs are those that have been performed by the greats of the genre. Artists such as Bessie Smith, Billie Holiday, and Aretha Franklin have all helped to define what the vocal blues is and how it should be performed. These songs are some of the most iconic in all of music, and they continue to inspire singers and audiences alike. If you’re a fan of the blues, then these are some of the best vocal performances that you need to check out.
