How Britain Got The Blues: Uncovering the Fascinating Journey of the Genre

When we hear the term "British music," genres such as rock, pop, and classical often come to mind. However, what many people don't realize is that Britain played a pivotal role in the development and popularization of the blues. In this article, we will dive deep into the history, influences, and impact of the blues in Britain.

The Birth of the Blues in America

The blues originated in the African-American communities in the Southern United States during the late 19th century. It was a genre deeply rooted in the African musical traditions brought to America during the era of slavery. The blues served as a form of expression, allowing individuals to communicate their struggles, joys, and emotions through music.

As the blues grew in popularity in America, it began to captivate the hearts of music enthusiasts around the world. With the advent of recording technology, the blues found its way onto records, allowing wider accessibility. This global impact laid the foundation for what would happen next – the transatlantic journey of the blues to Britain.

How Britain Got the Blues: The Transmission and Reception of American Blues Style in the United Kingdom (Ashgate Popular and Folk Music Series)

by Roberta Freund Schwartz(1st Edition, Kindle Edition)

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1197 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	282 pages

FREE

The Influence of American Blues on British Musicians

British musicians started to explore the blues in the early 1960s, heavily influenced by the recordings of American blues legends such as Muddy Waters, B.B. King, and Howlin' Wolf. These musicians were captivated by the rawness, emotion, and storytelling aspect of the blues, which stood in contrast to the popular music of the time.

As British artists like Eric Clapton, John Mayall, and The Rolling Stones delved into the blues, they began to incorporate these elements into their own music. This marked the birth of the British blues movement, a significant turning point not only for British music but also for the global perception of the blues.

The British Blues Movement: Igniting a Cultural Revolution

The British blues movement ignited a cultural revolution in the 1960s and 1970s. Bands and artists emerged, embracing the blues and infusing it with their unique British style. The blues became a vehicle for self-expression, rebellion, and collaboration.

The success of British blues musicians in the United States was a testament to the impact of this cultural phenomenon. Artists such as The Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin, and Eric Clapton gained recognition and admiration in the home country of the blues, becoming influential figures in the genre themselves.

Pioneering British Blues Musicians

While the influence of the British blues movement cannot be understated, it's important to recognize the pioneering musicians who paved the way for this revolution. Artists like Alexis Korner, Cyril Davies, and John Mayall played a crucial role in popularizing the blues in Britain.

These trailblazers not only introduced British audiences to the genre but also played a significant role in its evolution. They embraced a collaborative approach, uniting musicians through the blues. This sense of community led to the formation of influential bands such as Cream, Fleetwood Mac, and The Yardbirds.

The Legacy and Evolution of British Blues

The British blues movement laid the foundation for the evolution of the genre, allowing it to branch out into various subgenres such as blues rock and British rhythm and blues. Bands like The Who, Cream, and Led Zeppelin took the blues in new directions, creating a fusion of the traditional blues sound with their own unique styles.

Today, the impact of British blues can still be felt in the music industry. Countless artists continue to draw inspiration from the blues, paying homage to the genre that changed the face of British music. The legacy of the blues in Britain is one of cultural exchange, artistic innovation, and a shared passion for music.

The story of how Britain got the blues is a testament to the power of music in transcending boundaries. From its humble origins in the Southern United States to its transformative journey across the Atlantic, the blues found a new home in Britain, influencing generations of musicians and shaping the course of music history. Today, the blues continues to inspire and captivate audiences worldwide, proving that its impact knows no bounds.

How Britain Got the Blues: The Transmission and Reception of American Blues Style in the United Kingdom (Ashgate Popular and Folk Music Series)

by Roberta Freund Schwartz(1st Edition, Kindle Edition)

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1197 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	282 pages

FREE

This book explores how, and why, the blues became a central component of English popular music in the 1960s. It is commonly known that many 'British invasion' rock bands were heavily influenced by Chicago and Delta blues styles. But how, exactly, did Britain get the blues? Blues records by African American artists were released in the United States in substantial numbers between 1920 and the late 1930s, but were sold primarily to black consumers in large urban centres and the rural south. How, then, in an era before globalization, when multinational record releases were rare, did English teenagers in the early 1960s encounter the music of Robert Johnson, Blind Boy Fuller, Memphis Minnie, and Barbecue Bob? Roberta Schwartz analyses the transmission of blues records to England, from the first recordings to hit English shores to the end of the sixties. How did the blues, largely banned from the BBC until the mid 1960s, become popular enough to create a demand for re-released material by American artists? When did the British blues subculture begin, and how did it develop? Most significantly, how did the music become a part of the popular consciousness, and how did it change music and expectations? The way that the blues, and various blues styles, were received by critics is a central concern of the book, as their writings greatly affected which artists and recordings were distributed and reified, particularly in the early years of the revival. 'Hot' cultural issues such as authenticity, assimilation, appropriation, and cultural transgression were also part of the revival; these topics and more were interrogated in music periodicals by critics and fans alike, even as English musicians began incorporating elements of the blues into their common musical language. The vinyl record itself, under-represented in previous studies, plays a major part in the story of the blues in Britain. Not only did recordings shape perceptions and listening habits, but which artists were available at any given time also had an enormous impact on the British blues. Schwartz maps the influences on British blues and blues-rock performers and thereby illuminates the stylistic evolution of many genres of British popular music.