Today is August 5 we are celebrating the soulful sounds on International Blues Music Day. On this International Day, we are encouraging everyone around the globe to enjoy the historical sound of the American South.
Blues Music is a combination of form and music that creates a heavy sound filled with emotion. Often associated with sadness, blues music releases emotional feelings meant to free the soul. On International Blues Music Day, let’s learn the vast history behind this musical genre while listening to your favorite blues musician.
DID YOU KNOW?
“Walking the blues” is a blues bass guitar playing during a song. The bass guitar has the important role of creating the “feeling” of the song being played.
Historically, blues music seems to have developed shortly after the Civil War. Originating the in the deep South, this music genre was an artistic way for African Americans to sing work songs while working in the fields during slavery. It’s important to note many of these songs were a depiction of sadness and melancholy, which were current feelings of slaves during this era. However, because of the resilience of slaves, they also incorporated spiritual songs with feelings as a way of dealing with every day life. The early sounds of blues serve as the oral history of slaves. In fact, many of the early blues songs are the only documentation available telling us of work conditions, treatment, and life as a slave.
Between the late 1800s and early 1920s, blues began taking a new shape in mainstream America. Spreading across the entire South, blues music was heard in dance halls and speakeasys. It was during this time instruments, such as the banjo and trumpet, began amplifying the sound of blues. It was also a time when black musicians were recording their music, opening doors for music to enter into households across the world.
6 Famous Blues Musicians
- Bessie Smith (1894–1937)
- Mamie Smith (1891–1946)
- Etta James (1938–2012)
- Howlin’ Wolf (1910–1976)
- Muddy Waters (1913–1983)
- B.B. King (1925-2015)
Blues musician Johnny Childs receives credit as the founder of International Blues Music Day. On August 2, 2013, Childs began an initiative to create an annual celebration in honor of blues music and its musicians around the world. The International Blues Music Day organization, along with the NYC Blues Society, began planning the first ever International Blues Music Day celebration.
HISTORY BEHIND INTERNATIONAL BLUES MUSIC DAY
Blues music is one of the most widely known music genres in the world. Celebrations bring together musicians, communities, educators, historians, and fans, alike. According to the International Blues Music Day website, this international day is to ‘celebrate and learn about blues and its roots, future and impact; raise awareness of the need for intercultural dialogue and mutual understanding; and reinforce international cooperation and communication.’
What is the International Blues Music Day organization?
The International Blues Music Day organization promotes the art of blues music and educates people on the vast heritage blues music has. The organization’s core goals are to:
- Promote peace and equality
- Create dialogue among cultures
- Encourage diversity
- Eliminate discrimination
- Encourage social change
How to OBSERVE #InternationalBluesMusicDay
Gather your friends and family on International Blues Music Day and celebrate the sound of music loved by millions of people around the globe. We want to see your photos on social media as you enjoy celebrations in your area. Tag #InternationalBluesMusicDay so you can join in on this musical celebration.
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