Skip to main content

Link to Smithsonian homepage

Smithsonian Music

Main menu

  • Calendar
  • Listen
  • Learn
    • Ask Smithsonian
    • Collections Spotlights
    • Music Stories
  • Watch
  • Blog

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.

  • Emory Guitar played by Mississippi John Hurt at the 1963 Newport Folk Festival
  • Stratocaster Electric Guitar
  • B. B. King
  • B. B. King
  • Muddy Waters and Isaac Washington
  • Huddie Ledbetter
  • Libba Cotten
  • Josh White, from the portfolio 'O, Write My Name': American Portraits, Harlem Heroes
  • Huddie Ledbetter
  • Huddie Ledbetter
  • Albert King
  • Mississippi John Hurt

Link to Smithsonian homepage

  • About
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy
  • YouTube
  • Twitter
Back to Top