Questions and Answers
The blues continue to reflect traditional African musical elements such as --________.
call-and-response
In blues music, the call and the response can be played by different instruments.It is also common for one voice or instrument to respond to its ___ call.
own
The blues also introduced and standardized a specific 12-bar _______ _______.
chord change
What significant impact did blues music have on race relations in the early 20th century?
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The blues originated from an unaccompanied ______ tradition of poor African American southern workers.
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In the early versions of the blues, there was considerable difficulty in distinguishing ______ music from ______ music.
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What factor often determined marketing strategies for country and blues music recordings during the 1920s?
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It is widely believed that blues emerged between ____ and _____.
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A distinguishing characteristic of new blues music was a transition from the _______-oriented music to that of a more _____________ style.
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What perspective did the blues reflect that made it relatable to many people?
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In the 1920s, the first blues recordings were categorized in two ways: _______ (country) and _______.
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Mississippi Delta blues is a good example of rural blues, typified by the random vocal style and sparse _____ _______ improvisations of Robert Johnson.
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The Memphis blues style was influenced by ___ ______ and developed in the 1930s in Memphis, Tennessee.
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What migration occurred in the late '30s and early '40s concerning blues musicians?
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Who is recognized as the 'Father of the Blues'?
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What was considered the first song to include the word 'blues' in the title?
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Who is considered the first black female vocalist to record the blues?
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Study Notes
The Blues: Origins and Characteristics
- The blues originated from African musical traditions and developed during slavery in the United States, merging African and European musical elements.
- Key feature of blues music is call-and-response, a technique where a call is answered, often using various instruments.
- The blues scale alters the major scale, and a standardized 12-bar chord change is a distinct characteristic of this genre.
Impact on Society and Race Relations
- Blues music significantly influenced race relations in the early 20th century by popularizing black musicians among white audiences.
- Record companies classified music by race in the 1920s, marketing race music (blues) to black audiences and hillbilly music (country) to white audiences.
Historical Development
- Difficulties distinguishing between blues and country music arose during the genre's development in the early 20th century.
- Blues emerged between 1870 and 1900 following the emancipation of slaves, leading to a shift from group-oriented performances to more individualized styles.
- The first significant blues recordings from the 1920s are categorized into rural and urban styles.
Musical Styles and Influences
- Rural blues was characterized by spontaneous guitar or banjo playing, often with no accompaniment; Mississippi Delta blues exemplifies this with distinct vocal styles and slide guitar improvisations.
- The Memphis blues style, developed in the 1930s, drew influence from jug bands.
Migration and Urban Blues
- Many blues artists migrated to Chicago in the late 1930s and early 1940s, contributing to the urban blues movement, altering the genre's sound and reach.
Notable Figures
- W.C. Handy, known as the "Father of the Blues," played a pivotal role in documenting and promoting blues music from his experiences in Mississippi around 1903.
- Handy's observations led to greater public awareness and prestige for the blues, especially after his composition "Memphis Blues" in 1912, which was the first to include "blues" in its title.
- Mamie Smith is recognized as the first black female vocalist to record the blues, achieving great success with “Crazy Blues,” which sold over one million copies, highlighting the commercial potential of blues music.
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Description
Test your knowledge of the blues and call-and-response techniques in music with these engaging flashcards. Explore the roots of these musical traditions and their significance in African and American culture. Perfect for Music 8 students looking to enhance their understanding of musical concepts.
