2023 The Blues is a uniquely American art form Using the examples in the document below | Assignments Online

The”Blues”is a uniquely American art form. Using the examples in the document below and any youfind from the same period, choose one blues artist whose work has influenced another artist of your choice from the Rhythm & Blues orRock and Roll artists of the 50’s and 60’s. Use one song from each artist andshow the influence of the blues artist in the work of the R&B or R&R artist you choose and discuss the influence of the Blues on modern popular musicin general. Robert Johnson to Elvis.doc 

  Response.          Having grown up in the south and more specifically in Memphis, TN, Blues music is a cultural staple of the south. Blues was invented by slaves, ex-slaves and the descendants of slaves, African-American sharecroppers who sang as they worked tireless hours in the cotton fields. Now, having the added benefit of living in Memphis I was exposed to the King of Rock and Roll, Elvis Presley whose musical influences ranged from many black gospel singers and bluegrass musicians.

Growing up I didn’t truly understand Elvis and his music. To me during this time he was just another Rock and Roll star who died of a drug overdose. But as I got older I realized the influence that not only did the black music artists, both past and present have on his music but he was a complete artist who could gravitate to all genres, especially when it came to blues or soulful music, because for a white guy, Elvis was the bomb.  

All that said, while Elvis was greatly influenced by many artists some of his biggest hits were written and originally performed by black artists who never got the recognition or credit for these songs. If I were to ask who sang Hound Dog, most would say Elvis when in fact it was Big Momma Thornton (see clip below) or Lawdy Miss Clawdy who was originally performed by Lloyd Price.