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Group Blues tunes. The Blues. Commercialism & Exploitation. Many blues artists didn't believe in commercialism Songs spread by word of mouth When Blues became popular many “corrupt” record labels exploited black artists For Example, Bessie Smith was paid between $125 - $200 per song
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Group Blues tunes The Blues
Commercialism & Exploitation Many blues artists didn't believe in commercialism Songs spread by word of mouth When Blues became popular many “corrupt” record labels exploited black artists For Example, Bessie Smith was paid between $125 - $200 per song Due to many African – Americans being unable to read or write they signed contracts without understanding them They did not know what royalties were and often did not receive any
Blues Artists Robert Johnson
Robert Johnson Born in Mississippi in may 1911 Poorly documented life, died at 27 Talented blues singer/songwriter and guitar player Myth about he learned to play guitar Itinerant Musician He signed to the American Record Corporation and recorded 29 songs between '36 and '37 His songs only became famous in the 60's after his death
Robert Johnson “Cross Road Blues,” “Love In Vain,” “Hellhound On My Trail,” “I Believe I¹ll Dust My Broom,” “Walking Blues,” “Sweet Home Chicago.” are just some of Johnson's well known songs.
Blues Artists Bessie Smith
Bessie Smith – The Empress of the Blues Born in Chattanooga in April 1984 Most popular female blues singer of the 20's and 30's Formed her act in 1913 Signed to Columbia records in 1923 and produced 160 records Her first release was "Gulf Coast Blues" and "Downhearted Blues" Died in September 1937 after a car crash
References • “Negro Folk Music U.S.A” by Harold Courlander, 1992 • Wikipedia – Robert Johnson and Bessie Smith • “Popular Music – The Blues Edition” • “Robert Johnson Blues Foundation”