Exploring The History of Blues Rock: A Journey Through the Genre’s Roots (Part 1)
A deep and complex genre, blues rock is what happens when you mix the traditional 12-bar chord structure of blues music with rock instrumentation. Today, let’s go back in time to explore its origins and spotlight some of the most prominent artists.
When I think about blues rock (or any blues subgenre, for that matter), there are several things that come to mind. The image of a smoke-filled speakeasy, the bitter-sweet taste of bourbon on the lips, and the aching melancholy that seems to be able to tear the ribcage apart are surely the main points. But there’s more to it than just broken heart tunes — the genre has a rich and vibrant history that stretches right back to the early twentieth century. From the spirituals of the African American church to the electric guitar of the British Invasion, the history of blues rock is a captivating journey through time. So let’s take a trip from the Mississippi Delta to the British Isles, as we trace the developments of this genre and learn more about its lasting impact on the modern music industry, shall we?
The African American Church and the Origins of Blues
Blues music has its origins in the African American church, particularly the music of the hymns and spirituals composed in the nineteenth century. Its popularity started to grow in the early 1900s, as a large number of African Americans were forced to relocate from the south of the country. In typical fashion for us humans, they didn’t leave their homes empty-handed, bringing their gods, culture, and art along as well.
By saving their musical traditions and combining them with local folk music, black migrants planted a seed for what would later become the roots of the blues genre. Instruments like the banjo, harmonica, and guitar were used to replicate the sounds of the African American church, such as the call-and-response technique. As a result, a new sound was born, combining the rhythms of Africa with the lyrics of the Bible.
The original motifs often revolved around themes such as poverty, spirituality, and the state of society. As more southerners resettled to the north, they continued to develop blues music, performing on street corners and in bars and defining a standard beat and rhythm. As a result, what started out as a reminder of their homelands has become a powerful form of self-expression in a new environment. It allowed African Americans to address issues such as inequality and social injustice through song.
And when the Great Depression hit, the lyrics of the blues became even more political. Artists began to create songs that criticized society and commented on the economic difficulties of the time. The message of meaning, struggle, and overcoming odds taken from African American churches was ever-present in the new wave of music — making it an integral component of the country’s bedrock culture. It was from this space that bold innovators like W.C. Handy developed a unique fusion of European harmonies and rhythms with African American spirituals creating a lasting impression on American music culture. Empowering and relatable, these tunes were a great source of comfort and reassurance for many people, becoming symbols of survival and hope for the future.
The Birth of the Delta Blues
Buckle up now as we are heading to the Mississippi Delta. With its rich soil and warm climate, the area, known as the “breadbasket of America”, was perfect for farmers. People migrated here in search of a better life, hoping to earn money through crop-raising.
Unfortunately, many of the Delta residents were left impoverished after the collapse of the agricultural economy in the early 1900s. The formation of large plantations and trusts meant that many farmers struggled to receive a fair price for their harvest. The locals had a tough time making ends meet, with numerous Delta residents living in “houses without floors, windows, or doors; barns without roofs; and churches without pews or pulpit”. These dire economic circumstances created the perfect conditions for the growth of one of the most gloomy and heartsore music genres — the blues.
Many of Delta’s earliest artists learned to play the guitar in juke joints, bars where alcohol was illegally bought and sold. The owners of these establishments welcomed and encouraged musical performances, as they attracted an audience that would consume liquor. The earliest Delta blues musicians were primarily black men, often playing instruments that lacked at least a couple of strings. This later led to the emergence of artists like Eddie “One-String” Jones, who — you guessed it right — often performed with a one-string guitar (yet, the man sounded cooler than I will ever do with my six-string Squier).
The music of the early blues musicians was less concerned with technical expertise and more focused on the emotions and experiences of everyday life. While some Delta residents turned to performing in order to earn money or survive, others used music as a means of expressing their frustration with the world around them, poverty, and desperation. A beautifully expressive form of communication, blues was more than just a genre. It became a powerful example of music as social commentary.
The music of the Delta continued to evolve over time, incorporating new rhythms and sounds. This helped the genre to find a wider audience and gain recognition as a legitimate art form. From gifted Son House and Charley Patton to legendary Robert Johnson and young Muddy Waters, the Delta Blues scene had something to break every heart and then glue it back together.
The Chicago Blues
As the Delta Blues grew in popularity, many artists began to migrate to large cities such as Chicago. This shift created a new subgenre, known as the Chicago Blues. Due to the increasing popularity of the electric guitar, it featured more advanced, amplified sound and provided artists with more room for experiments.
Originally nurtured in the fertile environment of the South Side of Chicago in the early 20th century, the genre found particular success thanks to the work of Muddy Waters. Born McKinley Morganfield, he was one of the first musicians to fully incorporate the electric guitar into his music, helping to transition the blues from acoustic to the new era. His distinctive sound, which featured distorted guitars and deep, growling vocals, brought a new, raw energy to the blues.
With several hits to his name, including “Hoochie Coochie Man,” “Mannish Boy,” and “Rollin’ Stone,” Waters is considered a timeless classic.
And if there’s anything as iconic as his legacy, it’s his friendly rivalry with Howlin’ Wolf. The competition between the two was fierce, mainly attributed to the very aggressive and jealous character of the latter. In 1955, Wolf even complained to Chicago’s African American chapter of the American Federation of Musicians that Muddy had taken away some of his gigs at a local club. Besides, the artists frequently monitored each other’s groups, with Muddy snatching away Wolf’s incredible guitarist Hubert Sumlin at one point and Wolf retaliating by snagging saxophonist Eddie Shaw from Muddy (although they would both often collaborate with the remarkable pianist Otis Spann on recordings).
But at the end of the day, music is the only thing that really matters, right? That’s why I personally have no intention of picking a favorite. On some days, Wolf’s tunes are just what I need to relax, while on others, it’s Muddy whom I’m drawn to. Regardless of the relationship between the two, their urban-flavored blues strongly influenced the music industry, helping to develop the genre as we know it today.
From Junior Wells and his signature harmonica playing to Big Bill Broonzy’s joyful tunes to virtuosos like Buddy Guy, there’s something for everyone to fall in love with when it comes to Chicago blues. Once defined by its poor, black, working-class, and predominantly male performers, today the genre could be likened to a 2,000-mile road trip that took in towns and cities, small villages, and some big metropolises along the way. Like a never-ending song written by travelers, it fits right in with millions of free-spirited nomads all over the world.
Please share your favorite artists from the mentioned eras in the comments and feel free to follow me if you don’t want to miss part 2, where we get to know those who made blues-rock sound so rockin’!
