A History of Texas Blues
The state of Texas is well known for many reasons, from its famous barbequed wings to the cowboys that ride around its grounds, but one of the best reputations Texas holds is that of its music.
How it Came to Be
Texas blues began to make its way into the realm of music in the early 1900s, when African Americans working in fields, ranches, and lumber yards brought it to life. Later, in the 1920’s, the single string guitar and jazz-like improvisation shaped the musical style, with the help of musician Blind Lemon Jefferson. In the 1930’s is when a whole new wave of popular performers emerged from urban centers like Houston and Dallas, and the style of Texas blues really took off. Artist T-Bone Walker added his bit of history to the blues sound with his R&B style as well as his saxophone imitating guitar sound.
Electric Blues
The popularization of regular blues music led to the development of the electric blues. Influenced by country music and blues-rock, the electric blues scene flourish in Texas in the ‘60s and ‘70s. Instruments like keyboards and horns were thrown in, making the style more diverse. Adding to this was the musical style’s emphasis on prominent lead guitar solos. Prominent electric blues artists of this era were brothers Johnny and Edgar Winter, who combined traditional and southern styles of blues.
Music is definitely a large part of Texas’s history, but the style of sound that we associate strongest with it, and not just because it bears the state’s name in its title, is Texas blues. What started out with singing in the fields became a booming branch of music. It not only shaped Texan culture but also contributed greatly to the musical history of the nation.