Urban Blues

This insightful book explores the evolution of blues music and its profound impact on African American culture and identity, particularly since the 1960s.

In Urban Blues, the author presents a comprehensive exploration of the blues genre, tracing its evolution and significance within African American culture. This classic account serves as both a historical guide and a critical examination of blues music, highlighting its role as a powerful form of expression. Through vivid narratives and insightful analysis, the book delves into the lives of iconic artists and the socio-political contexts that shaped their work.

The updated edition of Urban Blues expands on the original text by examining the blues' impact in various spheres since the 1960s. The author discusses how the genre has influenced and reflected changes in artistic, social, political, and commercial landscapes. Readers are invited to appreciate the blues not just as a musical style, but as a crucial element of African American identity and resilience.

With contributions from notable figures, including Robert Farris Thompson, who praises it as an achievement of the first magnitude,Urban Blues opens up a world of complex musical happenings. It challenges readers to understand the depth and richness of blues music, making it an essential read for anyone interested in the intersections of culture, history, and art.