Mississippi, the Birthplace of America’s Music

Part IV – “Blues to the World” (15:03): This section explores the popularization of Blues Musicians (such as B.B. King, Ike Turner and Bobby Bland) and the influence of Mississippi musicians on other forms of American Popular Music.

Part II-“Birth of the Blues” (11:38): This section explores the development of the Delta Blues from its earliest origins in “shout” music from slaves and sharecroppers on plantations, accompanied by primitive string instruments. The chord structure of “12 Bar Blues” and other early aspects of Blues Music are explored.

Part I-“Introduction” (7:45) This section explores the objectives of the documentary. From an exploration to the geography of the Mississippi Delta, to the importance of cotton farming, to the slave and sharecropping culture of the Delta, part I explores the origins of the Mississippi Delta Blues, the forerunner of various American musical styles, from Gospel, to Country, to Rhythm and Blues, and Rock and Roll.

Part III- “The Blues Grows Up” (4:36): This section explores the expansion of the blues through the out migration of Mississippi Blues musicians to locales like Memphis, TN, St. Louis, MO, and Chicago, IL. Concepts like the Great Migration, “Freedom Road” (Highway 61), and the railroads and their respective roles in the expansion of the read of Mississippi Blues and Country music are explored.