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.

Latest Pre-war Blues Release
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Badfame
Single - Released February 9, 2025

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Blind Blake
Blind Teddy Darby
Blind Willie Davis
Buddy Boy Hawkins
Charley Patton
Edward Thompson
Johnnie Temple
Josie Miles
Kid Bailey
Kid Cole
King Solomon Hill
Lillian Glinn
Lucille Bogan
Luke Jordan
Maggie Jones
Mama Yancey
Mattie May Thomas
Robert Johnson
The Hokum Boys
Robert Johnson
Kid Cole
Charley Patton
Lucille Bogan
Blind Blake
Johnnie Temple
King Solomon Hill
Kid Bailey
Mama Yancey
Maggie Jones
Josie Miles
Luke Jordan
The Hokum Boys
Blind Willie Davis
Edward Thompson
Buddy Boy Hawkins
Lillian Glinn
Blind Teddy Darby
Mattie May Thomas