The thunderous riffs of Led Zeppelin, the raw energy of The Rolling Stones, the psychedelic jams of Cream… would they be the same if it weren’t for the blues?
When you listen closely to Led Zeppelin I, with its four blues-infused tracks, or Cream’s British rock, or The Rolling Stones’ early work, you’re hearing the direct legacy of the blues. These iconic bands, and countless others we revere today, have foundations in blues songs and this is pivotal in revealing the deep history, importance, and evolution of rock music itself.
Of course, music is a complex tapestry. While the blues is undeniably central, other influences like classical music and traditional music from countries around the world also played a part. But to truly grasp rock’s roots, understanding the blues is a must.
From Back Porches to Electric Stages: The Genesis of Rock
To really appreciate the vital role the blues has played, do your research, the foundation of the blues and how it developed into electric blues, rock and roll, and eventually, the rock and heavy rock we know today.
Our journey took us as far back as the field recordings of Alan Lomax, who travelled the US, meticulously documenting the traditional songs and music of the time. The blues were already evolving as guitars became more accessible, often performed on the ubiquitous ‘back porch’ of homes across America.
With the birth of the electric guitar, everything began to take on a new personality. Many of these early recordings demand perseverance from the listener; the quality and vocal nuances can sometimes be challenging. For example, Memphis Minnie’s ‘The Levee Breaks’ (later famously covered by Led Zeppelin) and Lead Belly’s ‘Gallis Pole’ (more recognised as ‘Gallows Pole’ nowadays). However, that perseverance will be repaid massively, opening you up to a whole world of stunning playing and groundbreaking arrangements that can still be heard influencing today’s music.
But don’t stop there. For every blues pioneer that has been covered by more recent rock bands, there are at least another ten awaiting your discovery. And here’s a secret: the blues isn’t always about hardship. It’s packed with humour – single, double, and even triple entendres abound – and more euphemisms for genitalia than you can shake a stick at!
Unsung Heroes of the Blues: Artists You Need to Discover
We could list dozens of these seminal artists, but here are just a few to start your exploration:
- The genius of Robert Johnson, whose myth and music continue to captivate.z
- The guitar-toting pioneer Sister Rosetta Tharpe, a true trailblazer.
- The slide guitar mastery of Son House, who, in my humble opinion, recorded one of the finest blues songs ever: ‘Pearline’ – it’s simply perfection.
- Or look for Willie Dixon compositions. He wrote a multitude of great songs for other artists, including ‘Little Red Rooster’, ‘Spoonful’, and ‘I Can’t Quit You Babe’ – three of over five hundred he penned that directly tie into the rock canon.
And don’t forget to seek out artists often neglected by mainstream writers:
- Lil Johnson and her wonderfully smutty ‘Press My Button’.
- Weaver and Beasley for their guitar brilliance, adding clever humour to instrumentals like ‘Bottleneck Blues’.
The British Blues Boom: Bringing Blues Back Home
After soaking up the stunning originality of these pioneers, you can then move on to how their music was embraced by many British bands. These groups then took the music back to America, reintroducing the blues to a willing audience – an era famously known as the “British Blues Boom.”
This period saw The Rolling Stones, The Animals (‘House of the Rising Sun’ was first recorded in 1933 by Clarence Ashley and Gwen Foster), The Yardbirds (Jimmy Page’s version of ‘Dazed and Confused’ with them is even better than the better-known one!), and Fleetwood Mac’s early albums packed with delicious covers of great blues songs.
From the legendary Rory Gallagher to today’s blues maestro, Joe Bonamassa, these artists regularly cover and pay tribute to the blues in all its hues, tirelessly keeping its rich heritage alive.
Your Journey into the Blues Begins Now
If you aren’t familiar with these legends of yore, do yourself a favour and (literally) sound them out. There are a multitude of blues compilations available, offering a cheap and accessible way to begin what, for me, became a far-reaching, fascinating, and incredibly rewarding project that continues to this day.
What’s your favourite blues-influenced rock song, or a blues artist you think more people should know? Share your thoughts below!
