The country blues that emanated primarily from the Mississippi Delta in the 1930s laid the groundwork for a uniquely indigenous American music that ultimately had a profound effect on culture all over the world.

Without the blues, there is no jazz, no rock and roll (and no subsequent British Invasion), no hip-hop.

Many casual observers know the names:

Robert Johnson

Howlin’ Wolf

Charley Patton

Muddy Waters

B.B. King

This discussion first briefly traces the evolution of country blues to electrified Chicago Blues and the birth of rock and roll, but takes a close look at five underappreciated masters of the craft:

King Solomon Hill

Skip James

Tommy Johnson

Blind Willie McTell

and

Geeshie Wiley