The Blues: A Historical Overview

Who was W.C. Handy?

• A blues singer

• A famous blues guitarist

• An African American leader of a dance orchestra

• A railroad worker

What was the significance of the song 'Crazy Blues' by Mamie Smith?

• It was the first blues song to sell over a million copies

• It was the first blues song to be played on the radio

• It was the first blues song ever written

• It was the first blues song to be performed live

How did blues music evolve when African Americans moved to northern cities?

• It incorporated more traditional African instruments

• It became more acoustic

• It became less popular

• It adopted an electrified sound with drums, harmonica, and standup bass

Which band helped resuscitate the blues genre in the early 1960s?

• The Rolling Stones

• The Beatles

• The Who

• Led Zeppelin

What was the reaction of veteran blues musicians to the success of bands like Led Zeppelin?

• They decided to retire

• They were happy and felt honored

• They were indifferent

• They were bitterly disappointed