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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.

  • Blues
  • Eddie King, 1989
  • Tears don't fall no more sound recording : blues and ballads / Lonnie Johnson
  • Junior Wells
  • Beverly Plays the Blues
  • Hommage à Bessie Smith
  • Muddy Waters, 1983
  • Bessie Smith, from the unrealized portfolio "Noble Black Women: The Harlem Renaissance and After"
  • Playbill for Ma Rainey's Black Bottom
  • Josh White, from the portfolio 'O, Write My Name': American Portraits, Harlem Heroes
  • Eddie "Blues Man" Kirkland, 1989
  • Bobby "Blue" Bland, 1989
  • Taj Mahal, 1989
  • Pinetop Perkins, 1988
  • Sonny Terry, 1978
  • 1981 Marin County Blues Festival
  • Barbecue Blues Bust
  • Jimmy Johnson, 1991
  • Ray Charles - Convention Hall, Atlantic City, N.J. - 1980
  • Noble "Thin Man" Watts, 1986
  • Carey Bell, 1988
  • Johnny "Clyde" Copeland, 1988

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