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Essential Interviews From The Original Blues Magazine: Music In American Life

Drew Bell

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Published in Blues Unlimited: Essential Interviews From The Original Blues Magazine (Music In American Life)

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The blues is a genre of music that originated in the African American communities of the Deep South in the late 19th century. It is characterized by its use of blue notes, a twelve-bar chord progression, and lyrics that often deal with themes of love, loss, and hardship.

The blues has had a profound impact on American music and culture. It is the precursor to many popular genres, such as jazz, rock and roll, and rhythm and blues. It has also been used as a form of social commentary, and has played a role in the civil rights movement.

Blues Unlimited: Essential Interviews from the Original Blues Magazine (Music in American Life)

by Andy Schneider

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	22093 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	496 pages

The original Blues Magazine was founded in 1970 by Jim O'Neal and Amy van Singel. It was the first magazine devoted exclusively to the blues, and it quickly became a must-read for fans of the genre. The magazine featured interviews with legendary blues musicians, as well as articles on the history and culture of the blues.

In this article, we present a collection of essential interviews from the original Blues Magazine. These interviews provide an in-depth look at the lives and music of some of the most influential blues musicians of all time.

Muddy Waters

Muddy Waters was one of the most important blues musicians of all time. He is credited with popularizing the Chicago blues sound, and he influenced a generation of musicians, including B.B. King, Buddy Guy, and Eric Clapton.

In a 1970 interview with Blues Magazine, Waters discussed his early life and career. He talked about his influences, his songwriting process, and his thoughts on the state of the blues.

One of the most interesting things Waters said in the interview was that he believed the blues was a "universal language." He said, "The blues is something that everybody can understand, no matter where they come from or what their background is. It's a way of expressing yourself that's both personal and universal."

B.B. King

B.B. King is another blues legend who has had a major impact on the genre. He is known for his distinctive guitar playing and his soulful vocals. He has won numerous awards, including 15 Grammy Awards, and he has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

In a 1973 interview with Blues Magazine, King discussed his early life and career. He talked about his influences, his songwriting process, and his thoughts on the state of the blues.

One of the most interesting things King said in the interview was that he believed the blues was a "healing force." He said, "The blues can help you get through tough times. It can help you feel better about yourself. It can help you connect with other people."

Buddy Guy

Buddy Guy is one of the most respected blues guitarists in the world. He is known for his fiery playing and his passionate vocals. He has won eight Grammy Awards and he has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

In a 1975 interview with Blues Magazine, Guy discussed his early life and career. He talked about his influences, his songwriting process, and his thoughts on the state of the blues.

One of the most interesting things Guy said in the interview was that he believed the blues was a "gift." He said, "The blues is a gift from God. It's a way of expressing yourself that's both personal and universal. It's a way of connecting with people on a deep level."

Eric Clapton

Eric Clapton is one of the most successful rock guitarists of all time. He is known for his distinctive playing style and his soulful vocals. He has won 18 Grammy Awards and he has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame three times.

In a 1977 interview with Blues Magazine, Clapton discussed his early life and career. He talked about his influences, his songwriting process, and his thoughts on the state of the blues.

One of the most interesting things Clapton said in the interview was that he believed the blues was a "source of inspiration." He said, "The blues is a source of inspiration for me. It's a way of expressing myself that's both personal and universal. It's a way of connecting with people on a deep level."

The blues is a powerful and expressive genre of music that has had a profound impact on American life. The interviews in this article provide an in-depth look at the lives and music of some of the most influential blues musicians of all time.

These interviews offer a valuable glimpse into the minds and hearts of these musicians. They reveal their influences, their songwriting process, and their thoughts on the state of the blues.

We hope you enjoy reading these interviews as much as we enjoyed compiling them. We believe that they offer a unique and valuable perspective on the blues and its role in American life.

Blues Unlimited: Essential Interviews from the Original Blues Magazine (Music in American Life)

by Andy Schneider

4.5 out of 5