reflective essay outlining the influence of Blues and Country music

Description

Discuss the sources of Black American folk music and White American folk music that led to the creation of Blues and Country music in the first half of the 20th Century. From a musical context, how were these two styles of similar? How were they different?

What are the lyrical themes typical of the Blues, and what are the lyrical themes of Country music? Are there similarities? Given both styles of music emerged from the same geographical region, how do you account for differences in lyrical themes between these two styles of music?

Compare and contrast the lives and music of Bessie Smith and Charlie Patton.

Compare and contrast the lives and music of Jimmie Rodgers, and the Carter Family. Transcribe and submit a Nashville Number chart for the Carter Family’s performance of Will the Circle Be Unbroken? And Elton John and Leon Russell’s Jimmie Rodger’s Dream.

Write a reflective essay outlining the influence of Blues and Country music on your own musical preferences and musical identity.