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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 playlist from Smithsonian Folkways Recordings, and explore our blues-related collection items.

  • B.B. King - Symphony Hall, Boston, Mass. - 1969
  • B.B. King - Symphony Hall, Boston, Mass. - 1969
  • B.B. King - Symphony Hall, Boston, Mass. - 1969
  • Aretha Franklin, SCLC convention, Club Paradise, Memphis, TN
  • Handwritten lyrics to "You Need Love" by Willie Dixon, signed by Ron Wood

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  • "1960s"
  • "National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection"
  • collection
    • Media Arts-Photography 4
    • Documents and Published Materials 1
    • Musical Crossroads 1
    • NMAAHC (1400 Constitution Ave NW), National Mall Location, Culture/Fourth Floor, 4 053 1
  • topic
    • Photography 4
    • Men 3
    • Music 3
    • Rhythm and blues (Music) 2
    • Civil rights 1
    • Gospel (Music) 1
    • History 1
    • Singers (Musicians) 1
  • culture
    • African Americans 5
  • place
    • North and Central America 4
    • United States 4
    • Boston 3
    • Massachusetts 3
    • Suffolk County 3
    • Memphis 1
    • Shelby County 1
    • Tennessee 1

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