The British blues movement of the 1960s and 1970s was a cultural phenomenon that had a profound impact on the development of rock and roll music. But where did British blues come from? How did a genre of music that originated in the Deep South of the United States take root in the rainy streets of London and beyond?
In this article, we'll explore the captivating history of British blues, tracing its origins from African American music through the influence of American GIs and the pivotal role of British musicians like John Mayall, Eric Clapton, and the Rolling Stones.
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| Language | : | English |
| File size | : | 1197 KB |
| Text-to-Speech | : | Enabled |
| Screen Reader | : | Supported |
| Enhanced typesetting | : | Enabled |
| Word Wise | : | Enabled |
| Print length | : | 282 pages |
The Roots of British Blues
The roots of British blues can be traced back to the African American music that was brought to the UK by American soldiers stationed there during World War II. These soldiers introduced British musicians to blues, jazz, and rhythm and blues, which quickly became popular in the country's dance halls and clubs.
One of the most important figures in the early British blues scene was Alexis Korner. In 1955, he formed the Blues Incorporated, which featured a rotating lineup of some of the most talented British blues musicians of the day, including Cyril Davies, Charlie Watts, and Mick Jagger.
The British Blues Boom
The British blues boom began in the early 1960s, when young British musicians began to incorporate elements of blues into their own music. These musicians were influenced by the American blues artists they had heard on records and through live performances, but they also brought their own unique style to the genre.
One of the most important figures in the British blues boom was John Mayall. In 1963, he formed the Bluesbreakers, which featured a variety of talented guitarists, including Eric Clapton, Peter Green, and Mick Taylor. The Bluesbreakers' music was a blend of traditional blues and British folk, and it helped to popularize the genre in the UK.
Another important figure in the British blues boom was Eric Clapton. Clapton had been a member of the Yardbirds, but he left the band in 1965 to form his own group, Cream. Cream was one of the most successful British blues bands of the era, and Clapton's guitar playing was a major influence on a generation of rock and roll musicians.
The British blues boom reached its peak in the late 1960s and early 1970s. During this time, British blues bands such as the Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin, and Pink Floyd achieved international success. These bands fused blues with rock and roll, and they helped to create a new sound that would come to dominate the music industry for decades to come.
The Legacy of British Blues
The British blues movement had a profound impact on the development of rock and roll music. British blues bands helped to popularize the genre in the UK and beyond, and they influenced a generation of musicians around the world.
The legacy of British blues can still be heard today in the music of countless rock and roll bands. From the blues-infused rock of the Rolling Stones to the psychedelic blues of Led Zeppelin, the influence of British blues is undeniable.
The British blues movement was a unique and important moment in the history of rock and roll music. British blues musicians took the American blues tradition and made it their own, creating a new sound that would influence the course of music for decades to come.
The legacy of British blues is still alive today, and the music of British blues artists continues to inspire and influence musicians around the world.
Sidebar
- Key figures in British blues: Alexis Korner, John Mayall, Eric Clapton, the Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin
- Influences on British blues: African American music, American GIs, British folk music
- Legacy of British blues: The genre helped to popularize blues in the UK and beyond, and it influenced a generation of rock and roll musicians.
