Ten White Blues Singers
Who were true to the art form
That blues music was lifted from black artists by their white counterparts often without compensation or credit is widely acknowledged by music historians. Still, without its adoption by white artists, the art form may never have gained the currency it enjoys today. Blues festivals ae among the biggest, most successful and well attended concert events in many North American locales.
Artists have always borrowed ideas from one another. Sampling in Hip-Hop is a modern day example. One reason for the blues’ longevity and continued popularity is the reverence with which it was treated by white artists who introduced it white audiences. The subject of cultural appropriation is covered thoroughly in other quarters.
You can rightly argue that blues is music’s most effective communication of existential suffering. The universality of these feelings and their resonance across humanity are key to the blues music’s enduring appeal.
This list by no means purports to be the final word on white blues singers who did the genre proud. It is also not intended to deny or detract from recognition of the blues as African American music. The list is for stimulating discussion, appreciation for these artists’ place in musical history and furthering the love of the art form.
