Blues music originated in the rural South and gained popularity in the 1950s. There were thriving blues scenes in four major cities - Memphis, St. Louis, Detroit, and Chicago. Memphis blues developed from country style and featured jug bands. B.B. King moved to Memphis in 1947 and influenced rock and roll with his lead guitar style. St. Louis blues had an urban feel and small bands featuring singers and pianists. Chuck Berry, born in St. Louis, was a highly influential guitarist. Chicago blues was built on the Delta blues style and included amplified instruments and prominent harmonica players. Muddy Waters moved to Chicago in 1940 and his band featured many prominent blues musicians. Detroit blues was similar to Chicago style with electric instruments

1. Blues Music The 1950’s Era

2. Introduction Blues Music began in the rural south During the 1950’s certain artists gained popularity There were thriving Blues scenes in four major cities: Memphis St. Louis Detroit Chicago

3. Memphis Blues Developed out of the Country style of Blues Some popular jug bands Also developed out of vaudeville acts and medicine shows

4. B.B. King Moved to Memphis in 1947 Developed the lead guitar style Huge influence on Rock and Roll

5. 3 o’ Clock Blues http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9XclubtGRkQ

6. St. Louis More of an “urban” feel Variation on Jump-Blues Featured prominent Singers and Pianists Some groups were small in size with only bass and drums handling rythm

7. Chuck Berry Born in St. Louis on October 18, 1926 Highly influential guitar player Still playing today

8. Maybelline http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8RAfxiyMKAk

9. Chicago Built on the Delta Blues style Some artists began as street performers

10. Chicago cont. Amplified Instruments Prominent Harmonica Bands sometimes included trumpets and saxophones as well as drums and bass

11. Muddy Waters Moved to Chicago in 1940 His band had many prominent Blues musicians

12. Mannish Boy http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tAe6w_r0Vaw

13. Detroit Similar to Chicago style Electric instruments Made up of a lot of artists from the south Sometimes overshadowed by other music

14. John Lee Hooker One of the few Detroit players to get popular Unique style that was hard to imitate

15. Conclusion The Blues lost popularity through the 60’s The 50’s era musicians had a huge impact In some of these cities there is still a local Blues scene

16. References http://www.detroitbluessociety.org/index.html http://www.chuckberry.com/about/bio.htm http://www.history-of-rock.com/blues.htm http://www.allmusic.com/explore/genre/blues-d41 http://www.bbking.com/bio/ http://www.muddywaters.com/bio.html