Where The Blues Began Thesis
he weather was hot, working conditions dangerous, living conditions hard, relationships strained, and opportunities few, but it was all they knew. For many in the rural south, this life was all they’ve ever known, and all they would ever see. Disillusionment with the American Dream was central to the lives of African Americans in the early twentieth century, yet out of this culture, a spirit was captured in song. Far more than a musical genre, musical storytelling defined a culture, people, and the attitude of African Americans in the south. The 1979 documentary Where the Blues Began chronicles the land and the people of the Mississippi delta throughout the origins of “America’s most distinctive song style,” the blues. Music was a central part of African American culture in the Mississippi Delta, playing important roles in joyous occasions, social gatherings, as well as serving practical
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Musicians possessed both the ability to perform, and in many cases manufacture their own instruments. Traditional homemade instruments in the blues culture such as one string guitars, and “diddley bows,” drums and fifes all had direct connections to West African musical culture. But the strongest vehicle for expressing the blues, was the human voice. Lyrics of the blues expressed African American’s frustration toward a myriad of difficulties. Singers of The Blues gained important social stature which helped bolster their standing among their peers. Blues men who sang possessed a distinctive advantage when finding a place to live, and competing for women. While the blues men sought shelter and companionship, others in society found entertainment in their songs, and comfort in their lyrics. Words to original and improvised Blues songs depict the strained relationship between men and women, the difficulty of their times, and speak directly to the emotions of all members in the
Musicians possessed both the ability to perform, and in many cases manufacture their own instruments. Traditional homemade instruments in the blues culture such as one string guitars, and “diddley bows,” drums and fifes all had direct connections to West African musical culture. But the strongest vehicle for expressing the blues, was the human voice. Lyrics of the blues expressed African American’s frustration toward a myriad of difficulties. Singers of The Blues gained important social stature which helped bolster their standing among their peers. Blues men who sang possessed a distinctive advantage when finding a place to live, and competing for women. While the blues men sought shelter and companionship, others in society found entertainment in their songs, and comfort in their lyrics. Words to original and improvised Blues songs depict the strained relationship between men and women, the difficulty of their times, and speak directly to the emotions of all members in the