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Blues music is a genre with a rich history and diverse styles that have evolved. Here are some of the distinct types of blues music.
10 styles of Blues music are Delta Blues, Chicago Blues, Texas Blues, Piedmont Blues, Jump Blues, British Blues, Contemporary or Modern Blues, Swamp Blues, Soul Blues, and Gospel Blues.
Each of these styles has a distinct sound.
Delta Blues Music is a Style of Blues Music.
Delta Blues originated in the Mississippi Delta region in the early 20th century.
Its raw and acoustic sound characterizes it., often featuring slide guitar playing and emotional, often sad lyrics.
Artists like Robert Johnson and Son House are prominent figures in this style.
About three weeks before this post was written, I visited the Delta on a day trip to get some pictures and to do some research.
I visited the Gateway to the Blues Visitor Center and Museum in Tunica and the Delta Blues Museum in Clarksdale Mississippi.
I was allowed to take pictures in the Museum in Tunica but not in Clarksdale.
Both museums had excellent exhibits and the staff was friendly and helpful.
It was well worth the trip.
Chicago Blues is a Style of Blues Music.
Chicago blues, also known as urban blues, developed in the city of Chicago during the Great Migration of African Americans from the South to the North.
It often features amplified electric guitar, harmonica and a full band sound.
Muddy Waters, Howlin’ Wolf, and Willie Dixon are some of the influential Chicago blues musicians.
Texas Blues is a Style of Blues Music.
Texas blues has a distinct style known for its powerful guitar work.
It combines elements of Delta Blues with a more electrified sound.
Stevie Ray Vaughn and T-Bone Walker are notable Texas blues artists.
Piedmont Blues is a Style of Blues Music.
Piedmont blues is a style that originated in the Southeastern United States, particularly in the Piedmont region.
It features intricate fingerpicking guitar techniques and tends to have a more upbeat and ragtime-influenced sound.
Blind Blake and Rev, Gary Davis are examples of Piedmont blues artists.
Jump Blues is a Style of Blues Music.
Jump Blues is a lively and up-tempo style of blues that often incorporates elements of swing and jazz.
It typically features a horn section and is known for its danceable rhythms.
Louis Jordan is a key figure in jump blues.
British Blues is a Style of Blues Music.
In the 1960s British musicians embraced and adapted the blues, creating their own interpretation of the genre.
Bands like The Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin, and Cream were influential in popularizing British blues-rock.
Contemporary Blues is a Style of Blues Music.
Contemporary blues encompasses a wide range of styles that have emerged since the mid-20th century.
It includes various subgenres like soul blues, electric blues, and blues rock.
Artists such as B.B. King, Stevie Ray Vaughan, and Joe Bonamassa have contributed to the contemporary blues scene.
Swamp Blues is a Style of Blues Music.
Swamp blues is associated with the southern United States, particularly Louisiana.
It often incorporates elements of zydeco and Cajun music and has a distinctive swampy sound.
Slim Harpo and Lazy Lester are examples of swamp blues artists.
Soul Blues is a Style of Blues Music.
Soul blues blends traditional blues with elements of soul music, featuring passionate vocals and often a strong rhythm section.
Artists like Bobby “Blue” Bland and Little Milton are known for their contributions to soul blues.
Gospel Blues is a Style of Blue Music.
Gospel blues combines the religious themes and vocal styles of gospel music with the blues.
It often features call-and-response singing and a strong emotional connection to spirituality.
Blind Willie Johnson and Soster Rpsetta Tharpe are notable gospel blues performers.
Conclusion
These are just some of the many subgenres and styles within the blues genre, and they all contribute to the rich and diverse landscape of blues music.
These 10 subgenres will serve as a great place to start you r journey into the blues.
I have seen articles that suggest as many as 20 subgenres of blues.