Where blues music gets in your blood.
Personally, I have had blues in my blood since my mid teens. I have listened to (and played it in bands) since then.
Blues music had humble beginnings in Mississippi. It reached bigger audiences out of Chicago. And (along with country music) gave birth to Rock n Roll. As you know, that changed popular music forever. Whatever we hear today is just a natural (or unnatural in some cases) evolution that started in tumultuous times in the southern states of the USA.
The late 80s was a vibrant time for music. I was growing my locks and listening to hair metal like Motley Crue, Aerosmith and Gun’s and Roses. When, like a bolt from the blue, (please excuse the pun) a new style of music grabbed my heart with both hands. Well, it wasn’t a new style at all but blues music was new to me.
I didn’t necessarily have ‘The Blues’ either. But the blues sure got me.
There’s something in those slow bending strings and reeds, coupled with emotionally charged vocals, that seeps into your skin until it finds a vein that mainlines to your heart.
My Discovery of Blues Music
When I was sixteen years old. I remember listening to Angus Young from AC/DC playing the solo to “Ride On” and I turned to a friend and asked, “What is that? It is so soulful.” My friend answered…”sounds like blues music.”
Then the next day I was at a record store (remember those) and heard this boogie coming through the speakers that gave me the exact same heart flutter that Angus had the night before.
I walked over to the counter and asked, “Who’s playing through your speakers?” The store owner answered, “John Lee Hooker.” Without hesitation I answered, “I’ll have that and any other blues album that you recommend.” Then I walked home with a Best of John Lee Hooker and a Best of Muddy Waters album.
Do you remember when you first heard blues music and how you felt? Let me know in the comments below.
Whether you are looking for old blues music, new blues, album reviews or to learn about the history of this endearing genre, I’ve got you covered.
The whole time I’ve been playing the blues, I’ve been studying the artists that create it. After all these years I still get excited about discovering a new blues music artist. I will share my knowledge and new discoveries here with you.
On this site you will find info about great artists like Johnny Winter, Lightnin’ Hopkins, Little Walter, RL Burnside and many more.
Come join me as we steam up the Mississippi listening to Charley Patton. Ride shotgun on the drive up to Chicago with Howlin’ Wolf at the wheel. Then jump on the blues train to wherever it will take us.
All aboard!!