Blues For Dummies

"An excellent introduction and overview of the blues, America′s greatest gift to world culture. The book lays out an incredible amount of information thoroughly and clearly." —John Landis, Director of The Blues Brothers and The Blues Brothers 2000 "This book will open your mind to one of America′s greatest treasures." —Robert Cray, Blues Enthusiast "This is the perfect introduction to understanding a wonderful American music tradition; reading it will make any blues show or blues record even more fun." —Bruce Iglauer, President and Founder, Alligator Records Your Ticket to the World of Blues — the Faces, the Places, and the Music Dozens of In–depth Profiles of the Greatest Blues Artists True–Blue Recommendations for Building Your Own Classic Collection Feeling the Blues This incomparable music lover′s guide takes you through the Mississippi Delta, up to Chicago, and to points beyond — sharing the sights and sounds that have made the blues an integral part of our culture — and our souls. You′ll also get an intimate look at "Who′s Who in the Blues." From Bessie Smith to John Lee Hooker to Robert Cray. It doesn′t matter if your baby′s left ya or your mojo′s quit workin′, don′t get blue — just get Blues For Dummies . Rhapsody in Blues Distinguish the key ingredients that make up the blues sound Identify the different shades of blues &— from jump blues to electric blues Find the blues wherever you go — venues worth visiting Put together your own satisfying collection of blues music Make your next party a blues event Kick back and enjoy the ultimate collection of blues recordings on the Blues For Dummies CD

Introduction. PART I: What Are the Blues and How Do I Know I Have Them? Chapter 1: Recognizing the Blues Sound and Style. Chapter 2: The Many Shades of Blues. Chapter 3: The Blues Connection to Other Music. PART II: Who′s Who in the Blues Chapter 4: Early Blues Legends (1900 to 1945)Chapter 5: Artists from the Original Blues Heyday (1946 to 1969). Chapter 6: Artists of the Contemporary Blues Scene (1970 to Present). PART III: Listening to the Blues. Chapter 7: The Best Blues Recordings and Record Labels. Chapter 8: Where to Head to Hear the Blues. PART IV: Playing the Blues. Chapter 9: Putting Together a Blues Band. Chapter 10: Axes, Harps, and Other Essential Instruments. Chapter 11: Making a Blues Record. PART V: The Blues Community. Chapter 12: Blues Organizations Worth Checking Out. Chapter 13: A Blues Event: Throwing a Theme Party. Chapter 14: The Blues Online. PART VI: The Parts of Tens. Chapter 15: Then Reasons Why the Blues Just Keep on Growing. Chapter 16: Ten Collectible Blues Records You Wish You Could Afford. Appendix. Afterword. Index. Book Registration Information.

Lonnie Brooks is a popular blues guitarist and recording artist, playing more than 150 shows annually around the world. He has been performing for more than 40 years and has played with some of the biggest names in music, including B.B. King, Les Paul, and James Brown. Cub Koda is a guitarist, music historian, and regular columnist for Discoveries magazine. He is also a contributing editor to the All Music Guide to the Blues. As the leader of Brownsville Station, Koda is also known as the writer of their biggest hit, Smokin′ in the Boys Room. Wayne Baker Brooks is a Chicago–based blues songwriter and guitarist. He has played rhythm with the Lonnie Brooks Band and lead guitar with his own band. He is the founder and president of the Blues Island Production Company.