The Blues

Picture this: the late 19th century, the Deep South, a land scorched by the sun and burdened by oppression. It's here that something extraordinary began to take shape—the blues. Born from the struggles of African Americans, it became a beacon of resilience and raw emotion in a world filled with hardship.

But the blues didn't stay confined to the cotton fields and juke joints. In the 1950s, it plugged in and went electric, laying the foundation for a musical revolution. Icons like Chuck Berry and Elvis Presley drew inspiration from the blues, shaping the sound of a generation. By the swinging sixties, the blues was back in the spotlight, with legends like Howlin' Wolf and John Lee Hooker captivating audiences worldwide. Across the pond, British bands like The Rolling Stones fell under the spell of the blues, spreading its influence far and wide.

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Now, you might think you've never heard the blues, but as Willie Dixon once said, "The blues will always be because the blues are the roots to all American music." And he's right. Let's take a closer look at some of the famous songs you know and love, and how they were inspired by the blues.

Take Kendrick Lamar's "m.A.A.d City" featuring MC Eiht, for example. That infectious beat? It samples B.B. King's "Chains and Things," infusing the track with a soulful groove that's impossible to resist. And who could forget 2Pac's "Lil Homies," which borrows from the legendary John Lee Hooker's "Chill Out," adding a layer of authenticity to his storytelling.

But it's not just hip-hop that's been touched by the blues. Rock icons like ZZ Top have also paid homage to the blues, with their hit "La Grange" sampling John Lee Hooker's "Boom Boom." It's a testament to the enduring power of the blues, transcending genres and generations with ease.

Even in the world of electronic music, the blues has left its mark. Avicii's "Levels" samples Etta James' "Something's Got a Hold on Me," transforming the soulful ballad into a pulsating anthem that's guaranteed to get you moving.

So, the next time you find yourself tapping your foot to a familiar tune, take a moment to listen closely. You just might hear the echoes of the blues, weaving its magic through the music of today and yesterday alike.

Other songs sampled from the blues:

• "Gold Digger" by Kanye West ft. Jamie Foxx (2005) - This hip-hop hit samples Ray Charles' "I Got a Woman," a song deeply rooted in blues and gospel traditions. The sample forms the backbone of the track, providing both its melody and its soulful vibe.
• “99 Problems" by Jay-Z (2003) - This track samples "Long Red" by the band Mountain, which itself is based on the blues-rock tradition. The guitar riff from "Long Red" serves as the primary sample in "99 Problems," giving the song its gritty and aggressive sound.
• "Lost One" by Jay-Z (2006) - Another track by Jay-Z, "Lost One" samples "The Day the Niggaz Took Over" by Dr. Dre, which in turn samples the blues song "They Don't Love You No More" by Willie Hutch. The bluesy sample adds a layer of emotion and depth to Jay-Z's introspective lyrics.
• "Renegade" by Jay-Z ft. Eminem (2001) - This collaboration between Jay-Z and Eminem samples "Black Cow" by Steely Dan, which features a bluesy guitar riff. The sample provides the instrumental backdrop for the two rappers' lyrical prowess.
• A Bird in the Hand?by Ice Cube(1991), The Mechanic?by 50 Cents feat. Tony Yayo(2008). All three of them sampled “Chains and Things from B.B.King