Memphis Blues

Memphis Blues, a genre that emanated from the 1910s and 1920s African American communities in Memphis, Tennessee, serves as one of the earliest forms of blues music. Characterized by its gritty, raw sound, it combines mournful guitar riffs, soul-stirring harmonica, and impassioned, often raspy vocals. The ambience evokes the bustling Beale Street, where street performers and jug bands laid the foundation for this soulful, expressive style. Drawing upon the region's diverse musical influences, including Delta blues and country music, Memphis Blues is notable for its incorporation of a driving rhythm that exudes a sense of resilient defiance. Artists like Howlin' Wolf and John Lee Hooker exemplify the genre's profound storytelling ability and its emotional depth, qualities that have solidified Memphis Blues as a foundational pillar in the evolution of American music.

The Standard School Broadcast Recordings

John Lee Hooker

Album - 8 Tracks - Released February 28, 2025