Early Blues: The First Stars Of Blues Guitar

Influential Early Blues Guitarists that Shaped a Genre

The blues, that soulful and emotive musical genre, finds its roots in the early 19th century among African American communities in the American South. It is a genre characterized by its rawness, heartfelt lyrics, and of course, the mesmerizing guitar playing. In this article, we will explore some of the first stars of blues guitar who laid the foundations for future generations of musicians.

The Journey Begins: Charley Patton

Charley Patton, born in 1891, is widely regarded as one of the earliest blues guitarists. His unique and innovative guitar playing style, coupled with his strong and raspy vocals, quickly gained him popularity among blues aficionados of the time. Patton's rich and expressive guitar sound allowed him to convey a wide range of emotions, making him an early master of the blues.

"The blues is a feeling expressed through the strings of a guitar." - Charley Patton

Early Blues: The First Stars of Blues Guitar

by George W. Grant(Kindle Edition)

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	6430 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	224 pages

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Robert Johnson: The Enigmatic Legend

Robert Johnson, a mysterious figure in the blues world, left an indelible mark on the genre. His exceptional guitar skills, combined with his hauntingly poetic lyrics, revolutionized early blues. Johnson's legend grew posthumously, and his recordings inspired countless artists in the years to come. His influence can still be heard resonating in modern blues music.

Son House: A Voice and Guitar to Remember

Son House, known for his powerful and passionate guitar playing, contributed significantly to the development of the blues in its early years. With his deep and raw vocals, House's music was deeply personal and reflected the struggles and joys of African American life during a turbulent era. His longevity as a musician allowed him to continually inspire and mentor aspiring blues guitarists.

Blind Lemon Jefferson: The Pioneering Virtuoso

Blind Lemon Jefferson, a blind and immensely talented guitarist, left an enduring mark on the blues. His nimble fingerpicking style and unique voice set him apart from other musicians of his time. Jefferson's expressive guitar playing combined with his deep and soulful vocals created a mesmerizing musical experience for his audiences.

Moving Forward: The Enduring Legacy

The contributions of these early blues guitarists cannot be overstated. They paved the way for future generations of musicians and set the standard for how blues guitar should be played and felt. Their influence is evident in the music of legends like B.B. King, Muddy Waters, and Eric Clapton, among countless others.

The early blues guitarists captured the essence of human emotions and struggles in their music, making it a genre that resonates with people from all walks of life. Whether it was the sorrowful melodies or the fiery riffs, their guitar playing spoke to the soul and reflected the realities of the time.

The legacy of these blues guitar pioneers continues to inspire and shape the music of today. Their names may not be as widely recognized as some contemporary artists, but their contributions to the world of music are immeasurable.

Early Blues: The First Stars of Blues Guitar

by George W. Grant(Kindle Edition)

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	6430 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	224 pages

FREE

Winner of the 2016 Living Blues Award for Blues Book of the Year

Since the early 1900s, blues and the guitar have traveled side by side. This book tells the story of their pairing from the first reported sightings of blues musicians, to the rise of nationally known stars, to the onset of the Great Depression, when blues recording virtually came to a halt.

Like the best music documentaries, Early Blues: The First Stars of Blues Guitar interweaves musical history, quotes from celebrated musicians (B.B. King, John Lee Hooker, Ry Cooder, and Johnny Winter, to name a few),and a spellbinding array of life stories to illustrate the early days of blues guitar in rich and resounding detail. In these chapters, you’ll meet Sylvester Weaver, who recorded the world’s first guitar solos, and Paramount Records artists Papa Charlie Jackson, Blind Lemon Jefferson, and Blind Blake, the “King of Ragtime Blues Guitar.” Blind Willie McTell, the Southeast’s superlative twelve-string guitar player, and Blind Willie Johnson, street-corner evangelist of sublime gospel blues, also get their due, as do Lonnie Johnson, the era’s most influential blues guitarist; Mississippi John Hurt, with his gentle, guileless voice and syncopated fingerpicking style; and slide guitarist Tampa Red, “the Guitar Wizard.”

Drawing on a deep archive of documents, photographs, record company ads, complete discographies, and up-to-date findings of leading researchers, this is the most comprehensive and complete account ever written of the early stars of blues guitar—an essential chapter in the history of American music.