3 Legends From the World of Blues
The origins of blues can be traced to the 1860s. It was around this time when it first made its presence felt in Deep South of the United States. Back then, it was mostly in the form of African-American spirituals and work songs. Later, it evolved into a music genre characterized by its instrumentation, lyrics, and bass lines. A single line was repeated four times in the traditional verses of blues.
The common structure that’s currently in use became standard only during the first decades of the 20th century. Early songs of blues often described racial discrimination and other challenges that the African-American community experienced. Here, we’ll take a look at some of the legends from the world of blues music.
1. Jimi Hendrix
Hendrix is regarded as one of the greatest instrumentalists in rock music history. Inspired by electric blues and American rock and roll music, he started playing guitar when he was 15. Later, he earned a place in the backing band of The Isley Brothers owing to his gigs. He later worked with the popular musician, Little Richard.
After his performance in 1967 at the Monterey Pop Festival, he achieved tremendous popularity in the United States. With his third and final studio album titled Electric Ladyland, he reached the number one position in the country.
Soon, he became the highest-paid performer in the world. He had also performed at the controversial Woodstock Festival in 1969. However, he didn’t live long. He died from asphyxia caused by barbiturate on the 18th of September, 1970.
2. Eric Clapton
An English rock and blues guitarist, songwriter, and singer, Eric Clapton was born on the 30th of March, 1945. It won’t be wrong to say that he was among the finest guitarists of all time. In the early days of his career, Clapton played for many of the local bands. In 1963, he replaced the founding guitarist of The Yardbirds and became a part of the band.
He left The Yardbirds two years later owing to his dissatisfaction with them. The band had changed their sound from blues rock to pop rock, which he didn’t like. After playing with several other bands, he embarked on his solo career in 1970. He has received 18 Grammy Awards during his career.
He has also received several other awards, such as the Brit Award, CBE, and four Ivor Novello awards. Clapton sold over 280 million records worldwide during his solo career. This places him among the best-selling musicians of all time.
3. B.B. King
He is famous worldwide for introducing a style of guitar solo of a certain degree of sophistication. It is based on shimmering vibrato, fluid string bending, and staccato picking. This style later influenced many players of electric blues guitar. The year 1987 saw his induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
King has also earned the nickname ‘The King of the Blues’. Born Riley B. King in a cotton plantation of Mississippi, he had great fascination for music right from childhood. He began his music career playing in juke joints and local radio. On an average, he performed at more than 200 concerts a year.