The History of the Blues

The history of blues music is accredited largely to the change in perception that African Americans felt during the post-slavery era in the mid 1800’s. Historians attribute the style and raw form of the blues to what were known as first known as “calls” or “hollers,” by which a group of slaves could communicate despite the oppressive conditions of bondage and forced labor. Often, calls or hollers became easily memorable but never developed past a point of basic musical communication. Still, the basis for deeply felt soulful expression had been created and after slavery ended in 1862, the psychological change that slaves now felt gave birth to a completely new and exciting form of musical expression. The first blues song was produced and recorded in 1895 by George W. Johnson. It was entitled “Laughing Song.” It wasn’t long before the popularity of the blues spread to virtually all urban parts of the United States and dozens of blues recordings began to flood the airwaves. Collaborations between blues singers and well-established musicians also gave rise to completely unprecedented forms of musical expression and blues continued to influence all types of artists and musicians both nationally and internationally – in fact it continues to today.