As part of my deep dive into the history of the United States of America, and my recent Deep South obsession, as well as love for music, and modern music history, I have been endlessly listening to Mississippi Delta Blues (see post image of the legendary Robert Johnson) and Motown. If any of this is of interest to you too, I have found a 5-part lecture series on YouTube, that is excellent in telling the story of African American music. I have embedded the 4 available parts below. Unfortunately part 3 had been taken down before I could watch it. It is a very good beginning. Another valuable and highly educational source is the podcast A History of Rock Music in 500 Songs. I am learning so much from that podcast, and it is opening my eyes to new ways of listening to music as well as understanding the history.
Remember broadening your horizons is a good thing. My mother says that when I was tantrum throwing toddler, there were only two things that would calm me down: Mozart and Tina Turner. Now, I also have Ella, Aretha, Sam, Lead Belly, The Supremes and all the rest. The strongest pillar in modern music has its foundation in the African American culture of music, and it’s not just fascinating, it’s like finding a goldmine, but one you can carry with you everywhere. What a blessing for all of us.
They gave us spirituals, gospel, blues… and the rest, as they say, is history.
“Rock n’ Roll music is basically Gospel and Rhythm & Blues.” Elvis Presley
My World of Interiors 