Musicians in Chicago in the 1940s created a new sound for the blues. Muddy Waters, Jimmy Rogers, Little Walter, Willie Dixon, Otis Span and Howlin’ Wolf—
among others—moved north from Mississippi and reinvented the blues in a new, urban environment. This class will explore the evolution of the Chicago blues out of the Delta blues, focusing not only on the musical evolution, but also on the social and cultural forces that shaped the development of the blues. We will analyze specific songs, as well as the urban context that shaped this iconic sound.
among others—moved north from Mississippi and reinvented the blues in a new, urban environment. This class will explore the evolution of the Chicago blues out of the Delta blues, focusing not only on the musical evolution, but also on the social and cultural forces that shaped the development of the blues. We will analyze specific songs, as well as the urban context that shaped this iconic sound.