"This Land Is Your Land" is the most iconic folk song in American history, and is the masterwork of one of America's greatest artists, Woody Guthrie. Written in 1940 and first recorded in 1944, the song became an instant hit, and then a point of controversy, and finally a cross-generation anthem. It's been co-opted and rewritten in many other countries. Praised for its heartfelt lyrics and accompanying pride and spirit, no folk song has made such a lasting impression on American culture --...

"You can listen to his songs and learn how to live." —Bob Dylan, on Woody GuthrieThe timely, passionate, and humanely political work of America's greatest folk singer and songwriter is presented through his own words and art—curated by Woody's daughter—in this essential self-portrait, including never-before-published lyrics and personal writing, and testimony from contemporary writers and musicians on his powerful relevance today.

A companion book to the PBS documentary series exploring the history of the blues and its contribution to American culture and music worldwide.A companion to the groundbreaking documentary series, this volume is a unique and timeless celebration of the blues, from writers and artists as esteemed and revered as the music that moved them.Included in this stunning collection are:Essays by David Halberstam, Hilton Als, Suzan-Lori Parks, Elmore Leona...

From the time the first "Diddley Bo" appeared on a wooden barnyard wall, countless great sounding blues songs, acoustic and electric, have been written and recorded by many talented artists.These ten legendary songs, among them "Boom Boom," "Little Red Rooster" and "The Thrill is Gone," from fabled musicians like John Lee Hooker, Willie Dixon and B.B.King, provide some of the critical links in the chain of the American blues tradition.

Learn how to play the blues scale in E minor. Learn all the blues scale patterns on different positions on the neck, and how to switch from one position to another fast.- The guitar neck explained- I - IV - V explained- 12 bar blues explained- Blues scale in E explained- Different positions on the neck- Bending strings

Talking Music is a collection of nineteen of Holger Petersens in-depth radio interviews with artiststhe pioneering men and women who created the blues and roots sounds that have influenced the course of popular culture and music in North America. Many of his interview subjects are no longer with ustheir stories need to be told. The book is divided into four collections of interviews: British Blues Revival, Delta and Memphis Blues, Artists Who Helped Build Stony Plain, and Bonus Tracks. Eac...

The result of careful research, this stylish biography of infamous blues musician Robert Johnson reveals the real story behind the mythical talent that made him a musical legend. According to some, Robert Johnson learned guitar by trading his soul away to the Devil at a crossroads in rural Mississippi. When he died at age 27 of a mysterious poisoning, many superstitious fans came to believe that the Devil had returned to take his due. This diligent study of Johnson’s life debunks these myt...

“The essential history of this distinctly American genre.”—Atlanta Journal-ConstitutionIn this “expertly researched, elegantly written, dispassionate yet thoughtful history” (Gary Giddins), award-winning author Ted Gioia gives us “the rare combination of a tome that is both deeply informative and enjoyable to read” (Publishers Weekly, starred review). From the field hollers of nineteenth-century plantations to Muddy Waters and B.B. King, Delta Blues delve...

***Winner of the Oregon Book Award for General Nonfiction and Los Angeles Times bestseller"It makes good music sound better."-Janet Maslin in The New York Times***"A fascinating look into the West Coast recording studio scene of the '60s and the inside story of the music you heard on the radio. If you always assumed the musicians you listened to were the same people you saw onstage, you are in for a big surprise!"-Dusty Street, host of Classic Vinyl on Sirius XM Sa...

"A colorful account of [Guy's] 50-year-long tenure as perhaps the most influential guitar slinger in Chicago blues." — Los Angeles TimesAccording to Eric Clapton, John Mayer, and the late Stevie Ray Vaughn, Buddy Guy is the greatest blues guitarist of all time. An enormous influence on these musicians as well as Jimi Hendrix, Jimmy Page, and Jeff Beck, he is the living embodiment of Chicago blues.Guy's epic story stands at the abso...

The expression of innovative women in acoustic and electric blues music is both vital and far-reaching. From the beginning, remarkable female artists have helped shape popular music with important blues contributions. As a result, their legacy should be kept in mind.This book commemorates a select group of noteworthy women chosen for their compelling collective vibe along with an incredible music mojo. Read Seven Celebrated Women of the Blues and share the writer's enjoyment.

From the time the first "Diddley Bo" appeared on a wooden barnyard wall, countless great sounding blues songs, acoustic and electric, have been written and recorded by many talented artists.These ten legendary songs, among them "Boogie Chillun," "John the Revelator" and "St. James Infirmary" from fabled musicians like John Lee Hooker, Son House and Doc Watson, provide some of the critical links in the chain of the American blues tradition.