Mamie Smith set the tone for a new century of sound in global music. The Cincinnati native was the first singer to record the blues. It’s the foundational American music form upon which jazz, country, ...

PALOS HILLS, Ill. (RNS) – A musical play explores the shared history of Islam, Africa and blues music through the eyes of an enslaved storyteller-musician. PALOS HILLS, Ill. (RNS) – The history of ...

As the flood waters rose, many blues artists were inspired to write songs about the disaster and describe the experience of ...

Before the blues filled grand theaters and concert halls, it lived in humble bars, street corners, and juke joints where life and music were inseparable. Each venue carried its own legends, laughter, ...

Charles Smith and Chuck Smith, two venerable artists with a long and auspicious history in Chicago theater, don’t just have similar names. They’ve been friends and collaborators for close to 40 years.

At 89 years young, blues great Buddy Guy has just released his 20th solo album, Ain’t Done with the Blues. The 18-track collection arrived on July 30, coinciding with Guy’s actual birthday. The ...

In the third episode of a six-part series presented by American Songwriter and Renasant Bank, Rivers of Rhythm takes a deep look at the popularity of blues music as we celebrate Black History Month.

Occasionally, a recording comes out and effects a fundamental, historic change. In the case of Mamie Smith, her “Crazy Blues,” recorded 100 years ago this week, sparked a transformation of the music ...

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