The Story of the Blues

by Paul Oliver

Featuring over 200 vintage photographs and a new introduction by the author, the engaging, informative volume brings to life the African American singers and players who created this rich genre of music as well as the settings and experiences that inspired them.

The author deftly traces the evolution of the blues from the work songs of slaves, to acoustic country ballads, to urban sounds, to electric rhythm and blues bands. Oliver vividly re-creates the economic, social, and regional forces that shaped the unique blues tradition, and superbly details every facet of the music, including themes and subjects, techniques, and recording history.

Genres: Music, Nonfiction, History, African American

176 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1969

About the author

Paul Oliver was a British architectural historian and writer on the blues and other forms of African-American music.

Librarians note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

Reviews

[Gabriel Franklin · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Seen from any point of view, the blues is both a state of mind and a music which gives voice to it. Blues is the wail of the forsaken, the cry of independence, the passion of the lusty, the anger of the frustrated and the laughter of the fatalist. It’s the agony of indecision, the despair of the jobless, the anguish of the bereaved and the dry wit of the cynic. As such the blues is the personal emotion of the individual finding through music a vehicle for self-expression.”

[Jamie Howison · Rating 3 out of 5]

The extraordinary collection of photographs and other archival images is what gives this book its value. I'm afraid I found Paul Oliver's text to be rather bland and lifeless, and a book claiming to tell the story of the blues should have some serious swing, grit, and life to it. Lots of details on lots of artists, but nothing much by way of insight.

[Stephen · Rating 3 out of 5]

A lot more on the technical aspects of the blues music and traditions and not so much about the people who play the blues but still a worthwhile read. I believe there is an updated edition now available.

[Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very good history of the blues as it should be told. It's a shame that 95% of America has little or no knowledge about the history of one of America's finest traditions not established by the bourgeoisie.

[Danny Kroha · Rating 5 out of 5]

The pictures are worth the price alone.

[Jo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Classical!