Blues Slides and Questions

Multiple Choice

Why were work songs significant in the development of Blues music in the United States during the 1600s?

• They helped coordinate group labor and fostered a sense of community.

• They were used as a form of protest against authorities.

• They were only sung in churches.

• They were created for entertainment purposes only.

Multiple Choice

Which of the following is NOT a basic theme found in early country blues songs?

• Love

• Poverty

• Death

• Happiness

Multiple Choice

Which of the following statements about Robert Johnson is correct?

• He was born in Copiah County, Mississippi

• He played blues harp (harmonica)

• He teamed up with Johnny Shines for two years

• He died at age 40

Multiple Choice

Which style of blues is characterized by a 12-bar format and is mostly sung by women?

• Country Blues

• City Blues

• Delta Blues

• Chicago Blues

Multiple Select

Which of the following are features of Country Blues?

• Sparse instrumentation, usually a single guitar

• Rigidly controlled by 12-bar structure

• Earthy, dwelling on hardships of the downtrodden

• Refined and carefully considered material

Multiple Choice

In the song 'St. Louis Blues', who sings the verse and who plays background and fills?

• Armstrong sings verse, Bessie Smith plays background

• Bessie Smith sings verse, Armstrong plays background

• Both sing verse together

• Neither sings verse

Multiple Choice

Which individual is credited with discovering Bessie Smith?

• Lonnie Fisher

• Cora Fisher

• Ma Rainey

• John Hammond

Multiple Select

Which of the following statements about Bessie Smith's career in the 1920s is correct?

• She recorded her first records with Frank Walker.

• She never signed a contract with Columbia Records.

• She made $2500 per week for personal appearances.

• She married Jack Gee in 1923.

Multiple Select

Who were some of the notable musicians that backed up Bessie Smith during her career?

• Jack Teagarden

• Louis Armstrong

• Benny Goodman

• "Chu" Berry

Multiple Choice

Which city was Ma Rainey born in?

• Atlanta, GA

• Rome, GA

• Columbus, GA

• Savannah, GA

Multiple Choice

Who discovered Muddy Waters?

• Chuck Berry

• Alan Lomax

• Bill Haley

• Elvis Presley

Multiple Choice

What British rock group's name was based on a song by Muddy Waters?

• Rolling Stones

• Who

• Led Zeppelin

• Beatles

Multiple Choice

Which of the following Blues styles had its most active period from 1890 to 1930?

• Country (or Rural) Blues

• City Blues

• Rhythm and Blues

• Rock and Roll

Multiple Choice

Which of the following statements about B. B. King is correct?

• He could sing and play guitar at the same time.

• His most famous disciple is Eric Clapton.

• He was not influential to rock guitarists.

• His guitar was named 'Lucinda'.