Boogie-woogie is an energetic style of piano-based blues characterized by its fast tempo, repetitive bass patterns, and swinging rhythm. This genre, which emerged in the late 19th century and gained substantial popularity in the 1920s and 1930s, typically showcases a 12-bar blues structure with a left-hand accompaniment that maintains a steady, shuffling ostinato of eighth notes. The right hand often plays syncopated melodies and improvised riffs, making the music highly danceable and infectious. Influenced by African American rhythms and spirituals, boogie-woogie had a significant impact on the development of rock 'n' roll and rhythm and blues. Artists of the genre, such as Pinetop Perkins and Jimmy Yancey, glorified the form through their lively performances and contributed to the enduring legacy of boogie-woogie as a cornerstone of American music.
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