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The Blues

One of the most influential styles of American music, the Blues is a living tradition with multiple regional styles. Have a listen with the Sounds of the American Blues and The Roots of Rhythm & Blues playlists from Smithsonian Folkways Recordings, and explore our blues-related collection items.

  • Broadside for the House of Blues featuring a concert by James Brown and others
  • Buddy Guy, 1990
  • 29c Robert Johnson single
  • Stratocaster Electric Guitar
  • 29c Muddy Waters single
  • 29c "Ma" Rainey single
  • B. B. King
  • Mo' Better Blues
  • 29c Bessie Smith single
  • Bobby "Blue" Bland
  • 29c Howlin' Wolf single
  • Earl King, 1992
  • B. B. King
  • Clarence "Gatemouth" Brown, 1995
  • 32c Sonny Terry single
  • Junior Wells, 1994
  • 32c Josh White single
  • Little Ed Williams, 1992
  • Albert Collins, 1991
  • Magic Slim, 1991
  • Lazy Lester, 1993
  • Mr. Q, 1992
  • Charles Brown, 1995
  • Big Boy Henry, 1992
  • Papa John Creach, 1994
  • Carol Fran, 1992
  • Luther "Guitar Jr." Johnson, 1992
  • Etta James, 1991
  • Wendell Holmes, 1996
  • Jimmy Johnson, 1991
  • Ernie Watts, 1992
  • House of Blues Button
  • Preston Fulp, 1992
  • Sam Myers, 1994
  • Clarence Hollimon, 1992
  • Buddy Collette, 1991
  • Carey Bell, 1988
  • Neal Pattman, 1992
  • Luther Allison, 1994

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