MUS 113 - Blues History: Origins to the Present

Credits: 3
Instructional Contact Hours: 3

Assists student in developing an interest in and respect for Blues as an original American art form. Traces Blues history from its origins in the 1860's as African-American work songs and spirituals through the 20th century where it became one of the most important influences on Jazz, Rock and Popular music. Focuses on the evolutionary development of the music and the artists who brought about Blues.

Prerequisite(s): NA
Corequisite(s): NA
Lecture Hours: 45 Lab Hours: 0
Meets MTA Requirement: Humanities
Pass/NoCredit: Yes

Outcomes and Objectives

Identify different styles of Blues.
1. Investigate the origins of blues in the 19th century American Deep South through work songs, field hollers, spirituals, European hymns and gospel music, minstrel songs, and ballads.
2. Identify different song structures and instrumentations through an understanding of the origins of Blues including Call and Response, AAB form, 12-bar form, use of guitar and harmonica, and vocal forms.
3. Investigate musical characteristics of Blues including melisma, microtonal inflections, syncopation, I-IV-V harmonic progressions, and use of melancholy lyrics.
4. Analyze the characteristics of early rural Blues and its three principle regions of Georgia, Texas, and the Mississippi Delta.
5. Review the impact of records beginning in the 1920’s with labels such as: Original Race Records, Okeh, and Paramount.
6. Develop an understanding of the influence of blues on the development of jazz, rock, country, and popular music styles.
7. Identify some of the important figures of Blues and their contributions to the movement. These would include: W.C. Handy, Blind Lemon Jefferson, Robert Johnson, Son House, Mamie Smith, Bessie Smith, Louis Armstrong, John Lee Hooker, B.B King, Muddy Waters, Koko Taylor, and Stevie Ray Vaughn, among others.
8. Develop a list well-known blues songs and artists from each style including: origins, rural blues, Pre-War, Electric Chicago Blues, R&B, Post-War, British Blues, 1970’s Rock and Blues Festivals, 1980’s to present.