The blues is a vital and unique musical form rooted in the African-American experience. The story of this musical tradition is a fascinating one, from African antecedents through slavery, Jim Crow, commercialization, revival and commemoration. Indelible artists like Charley Patton, Blind Lemon Jefferson, Bessie Smith, Robert Johnson, Muddy Waters,

The blues is a vital and unique musical form rooted in the African-American experience. The story of this musical tradition is a fascinating one, from African antecedents through slavery, Jim Crow, commercialization, revival and commemoration. Indelible artists like Charley Patton, Blind Lemon Jefferson, Bessie Smith, Robert Johnson, Muddy Waters, Etta James, B.B. King and more gave this music life, and a new generation keeps it alive today. Join Dr. Mike Daley for six recorded lectures packed with rare music and video.