Pre-war Blues

Pre-war blues, an evocative genre, emerged from the depths of African American hardship and resilience before World War II, particularly during the 1920s and 1930s. It was characterized by its raw emotional power and simplistic yet profound musical structure, primarily based on the acoustic guitar and the soul-stirring vocals of its practitioners. The blues were a candid reflection of the African American experience, encapsulating themes of struggle, love, and the quest for redemption. The music often featured call-and-response patterns, bent notes, and expressive, melancholic lyrics that spoke directly to the listener's soul. Artists like Blind Lemon Jefferson and Robert Johnson became legendary, not only for their innovative guitar playing but also for their poignant storytelling and the haunting intensity they brought to the music, influencing countless genres that followed.

Badfame

Kid Cole

Single - Released February 9, 2025