Although the origins of blues music are difficult to trace completely, the blues movement is said to have grown from African American song and culture throughout the South. Women were an influential part of this development with several female blues singers driving the movement throughout the United States. In 1920, Perry Bradford brought Mamie Smith into the spotlight with her performance of “Crazy Blues,” which was the first commercial blues record ever recorded. The influence of Mamie Smith, Bessie Smith, Gertrude “Ma” Rainey, and Ida Cox can still be heard in more contemporary artists like Toni Braxton, Gladys Knight, and others.
An encyclopedic overview of blues music, including primary sources and discussion of the origin, development, and impact of blues.
A map of the migration of blues music and styles across the United States.
A ca. 1925 letter from the stage act Tolliver & Harris regarding a scheduling problem attributed to legendary blues singer Bessie Smith.
A 1925 photograph of Gertrude “Ma” Rainey, known as the "Mother of the Blues," one of the most influential early female blues singers.
A 1929 Douglas Theatre handbill for Bessie Smith’s “all-talking” film.
Ukulele sheet music for “The Saint Louis Blues,” written by W.C. Handy, 1914.
The sheet music for “The Crazy Blues,” performed by Mamie Smith, 1920.
A photograph of Gertrude “Ma” Rainey, one of the most influential blues singers, who recorded over one hundred of her own compositions.
A 2010 interview with Guthrie Ramsey and Steve Almond in which they describe the history and demise of the blues.
The album cover of Blues for Rampart Street, recorded by Ida Cox and Coleman Hawkins at Radio City Music Hall in New York City in 1961.
A photograph of the rhythm-and-blues group Gladys Knight and the Pips receiving a proclamation honoring the group in 1970.
A photograph from 1990 of contemporary rhythm-and-blues singer Toni Braxton, who rose to fame in the 1990s.
