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What is a good book that traces the history of the American Blues?

I’m very interested in music and history and am looking for a book or two that documents the history of the American Blues, from its inception to all the revivals its had in rock, jazz, and even hip-hop. Does anyone know of some good books that can tell me the thorough history of this music form?

I don’t know of any book that covers the scope you listed. There are several great books that cover the development and popularization of the blues though. Two have already been listed by others- Le Roi Jones’ Blues People, and Robert Palmer’s Deep Blues. A couple others- Samuel Charter’s The Story Of The Blues, Robert Sheldon’s Blues Who’s Who (actually an encyclopedia but incredible nonetheless) and finally, Alan Lomax’s The Land Where The Blues Began. I reluctantly recommend the last book, not because of the book itself (which is fine), but because of the Lomax family’s history of ripping off many American musicians and songwriters.

Blues Guitar History Lesson – Stormy Monday – T-Bone Walker, Allman Brothers, and Buddy Guy

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