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Washington DC Homemade Blues: American Made Music Series

Braeden Hayes

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Sweet Bitter Blues: Washington, DC's Homemade Blues (American Made Music Series)

by Phil Wiggins

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	10479 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	271 pages

Washington DC has a rich blues music tradition, with many homegrown blues musicians making their mark on the genre. The city's blues scene has its roots in the early 20th century, when African Americans migrated to DC from the rural South. These migrants brought their own musical traditions with them, and the blues quickly took root in the city's black community.

One of the most important figures in the early DC blues scene was guitarist and singer Buddy Guy. Guy was born in Louisiana in 1936, but he moved to DC in the 1950s. He quickly became a fixture on the city's blues scene, and he played with some of the biggest names in blues, including Muddy Waters, Howlin' Wolf, and B.B. King. Guy's own music is a mix of traditional blues and electric blues, and he is considered one of the most influential blues guitarists of all time.

Another important figure in the DC blues scene was singer and pianist Big Mama Thornton. Thornton was born in Alabama in 1926, but she moved to DC in the 1940s. She quickly became one of the most popular blues singers in the city, and her powerful voice and energetic stage presence made her a crowd favorite. Thornton's most famous song is "Hound Dog," which was later covered by Elvis Presley and became a worldwide hit.

The DC blues scene continued to thrive in the 1960s and 1970s, with a new generation of blues musicians emerging. These musicians included guitarist Roy Buchanan, singer and guitarist John Hammond, and singer and songwriter Bonnie Raitt. These musicians helped to keep the blues alive in DC, and they also helped to introduce the genre to a new audience.

Today, the blues scene in DC is still going strong. There are many blues clubs and festivals in the city, and there is a new generation of blues musicians who are carrying on the tradition. These musicians include guitarist and singer Christone "Kingfish" Ingram, singer and songwriter Shemekia Copeland, and guitarist and singer Kenny Neal. These musicians are helping to ensure that the blues will continue to thrive in DC for many years to come.

The blues is a powerful and soulful music genre that has its roots in the African American experience. The blues has been a part of the fabric of Washington DC for over a century, and the city's blues musicians have made a significant contribution to the genre. The blues is alive and well in DC today, and there are many ways to experience this great music. So next time you're in DC, be sure to check out one of the city's many blues clubs or festivals. You won't be disappointed.

Sweet Bitter Blues: Washington, DC's Homemade Blues (American Made Music Series)

by Phil Wiggins

4.6 out of 5