The blues has an incredible history — and it was born right here in the USA.

Originating in the south somewhere around the 1860s, blues was developed by black performers out of work songs and spirituals.

Blues form is found in (as you’ve probably guessed) rhythm and blues, jazz, rock and roll. With soul-wrenching lyrics and a classic call-and-response pattern, blues has left an indelible mark on music around the world.

Interestingly, it took almost 50 years for blues to become mainstream, with the first blues sheet music being published in 1908.

Today, blues has splintered into tons of different subgenres, including the Delta blues, Piedmont blues, and electric blues.

The blues continue to have a major impact on music today. The most famous blues artists, like Robert Johnson, Stevie Ray Vaughan, B.B. King, and Eric Clapton continue to inspire the blues players of today.

Learn more about some of the best blues players in the business here.