Blues Music

Blues is an important kind of American music. It was created by African Americans in the southern United States more than 100 years ago. The songs often share feelings of sadness and hope. Blues uses guitars, harmonicas, and pianos.

How Blues Began

Blues grew from songs that African American workers sang in the fields. It started in a place called the Mississippi Delta. The singers would use their voices and guitars to tell stories about hard times. Later, blues moved to big cities like Chicago.

Why Blues Matters

Blues is the root of many other music styles. Rock, jazz, and rhythm and blues all came from the blues. Famous blues musicians include B.B. King and Muddy Waters. Blues songs use a special pattern of notes called a blues scale.

Fun Facts

• B.B. King named his guitar 'Lucille' and played it for over 60 years.
• A blues song usually has 12 bars of music that repeat.
• The harmonica is sometimes called a 'blues harp' by musicians.

Did You Know?

Without the blues, there would be no rock and roll, because rock music was built on the blues.