Step into the soulful world of the blues as we embark on an auditory journey through one of music's most influential genres. The blues isn't just music—it's a feeling, a story, raw and timeless. From its humble beginnings in the cotton fields of the Mississippi Delta to the electrifying stages of London and beyond, this musical tradition has shaped generations of artists and listeners alike.
This new series of Rod's Ramblings delves deep into the heart and soul of blues music, exploring how it emerged from the pain, resilience, and creativity of African-American communities in the American South. We'll examine the distinctive elements that make the blues so powerful: the 12-bar structure, emotional call-and-response vocals, and authentic storytelling that speaks to universal human experiences.
Together we'll trace the footsteps of legendary pioneers like Willie Dixon, Howlin' Wolf, Bessie Smith, and Robert Johnson, whose innovations laid the groundwork for modern popular music. Discover how their sound crossed the Atlantic to inspire British musicians including Keith Richards, Alexis Korner, John Mayall, and Peter Green, catalyzing the British blues explosion that forever changed rock music. And looking to the present, we'll celebrate contemporary artists like Joe Bonamassa, Robert Cray, and Susan Tedeschi who keep the blues tradition alive while pushing its boundaries forward. Subscribe now and join this musical journey through time! Have a favorite blues artist or song? Share it with me—I'd love to hear what moves you in this everlasting genre that Eric Clapton rightly called "the mother of American music."
