Deep Blues: A Musical and Cultural History of the Mississippi Delta by Robert Palmer

by Unknown Author

Unknown Binding

Published January 1, 1721

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Reviews

[Ed Granados · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very well researched history of the origins and evolution of the blues that is associated with the Mississippi Delta slaves. It begins with African rhythms, vocal and instrumental, and traces the evolution of these rhythms through the music of the of the African slaves who labored in the Mississippi Delta and then left the plantations and migrated to Chicago. The author provides in depth history of the musicians involved in this evolution of the music and a history of the transition of the music from acoustic guitar to the electric guitar and the influence of the piano on this music. The transition of the audience from a mostly African audience to a white audience is described. The contributions of numerous musicians such as Charley Patton, Robert Johnson, Son House, Muddy Waters, Howling Wolf, Albert King, Jimmy Reed and BB King are also investigated as well as some histories of their lives. The influence of this music on Rock and Roll and more modern day music such as that of Eric Clapton, Jimmy Page, of Lead Zeppelin, and the Rolling Stones is covered in detail.

I found this to be a very readable, informative and enjoyable book to read.