Mr.
DeGiovine’s General Music Class
Name:
Blues Worksheet 1
Part 1: Introduction to the Blues
1. What does it mean to be blue?
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Reading: Introduction to the Blues
If American music is unique, it is largely due to its bedrock foundation of blues and gospel
music, two forms of music that emerged in the late 19th and early 20th century. Anchoring the
sounds of African America, these styles underlay the musical innovations of the century: jazz,
rhythm and blues, rock, soul, and hip hop. They are known and cherished around the world and
in every corner of the U.S. It would be impossible to imagine American music without them.
The story of black music is also the tale of the enduring social struggles of American history.
Blues and gospel, the secular and sacred songs of everyday black folk, are both bound up in
sorrow, loss, despair, hope, redemption, resilience, and dreams. While remaining recognizable
over many decades, the spirit and musical forms of these styles have influenced much of the
American music that has followed.
Blues greats such as Bessie Smith, Robert Johnson, Memphis Minnie, Muddy Waters, Son
House, T-Bone Walker, and BB King, and gospel stars such as Mahalia Jackson, Sister Rosetta
Tharpe, the Gold Gate Quartet, Sam Cooke, the Staple Singers, and Clara Ward all occupy
prominent places in the pantheon of great American artists. Their music marks one of the great
contributions of Americans to world art. But, like other folk-art forms, blues and gospel came
from the experiences of everyday life.
1. According to the reading passage, why is the blues so important?
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1
Mr. DeGiovine’s General Music Class
Listen: B.B. King – Sweet Little Angel from “Live at the Regal”
I've got a sweet little angel
I love the way she spread her wings
Yes, got a sweet little angel
I love the way she spread her wings
Yes, when she spreads her wings around me
I get joy, and everything
You know I asked my baby for a nickel
And she gave me a $20 bill
Oh yes, I asked my baby for a nickel
And she gave me a $20 bill
Whoa, you know I ask her to buy a little drink of liquor
And she gave me a whiskey still
Oh, if my baby should quit me
I believe I would die
Oh, if my baby should quit me
Lord, I do believe I would die
Yes, if you don't love me little angel
Please, tell me the reason why
1. Is there a pattern to the lyrics in Sweet Little Angel?
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2. What is the tone (attitude) of Sweet Little Angel?
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3. What is Sweet Little Angel about?
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2
Mr. DeGiovine’s General Music Class
Part 2: Robert Johnson
Reading: Storytelling in the Blues
Blues artists became heroes and legends in the black community. One of the most enduring tales
concerns the elusive bluesman, Robert Johnson. Johnson’s music was so powerful, many of his
listeners believed the myth that he had sold his soul to the devil in exchange for it. Similar tales
of other musicians made clear that African Americans saw music as a spiritual, deeply powerful
art. Such tales resonated with African stories and myths kept alive in the black community and
were embraced as well by a wider world eager to understand the source of blues music’s appeal.
Similarly, gospel music’s deep connection to religious faith often transported both performers
and audiences: trances, speaking in tongues and ecstatic emotional outbursts often accompanied
the gospel music and services. This music could and did change lives.
1. What myth was there about Robert Johnson?
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Watch: The Dark History of Robert Johnson and Crossroads
1. What is the significance of crossroads?
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2. Robert Johnson is seen as the grandfather of what?
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3. What tragedy in Robert Johnson’s life influenced his music?
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3
Mr. DeGiovine’s General Music Class
Listen: Robert Johnson – Crossroad Blues
Went to the crossroad, fell down on my knees
I went to the crossroad, fell down on my knees
Asked the Lord above "Have mercy, now save poor Bob, if you please"
Yeoo, standin' at the crossroad, tried to flag a ride
Ooo eeee, I tried to flag a ride
Didn't nobody seem to know me, babe, everybody pass me by
Standin' at the crossroad, baby, risin' sun goin' down
Standin' at the crossroad, baby, eee, eee, risin' sun goin' down
I believe to my soul, now, poor Bob is sinkin' down
You can run, you can run, tell my friend Willie Brown
You can run, you can run, tell my friend Willie Brown
That I got the crossroad blues this mornin', Lord, babe, I'm sinkin' down
And I went to the crossroad, mama, I looked east and west
I went to the crossroad, baby, I looked east and west
Lord, I didn't have no sweet woman, ooh well, babe, in my distress
1. Is there a similar pattern with the lyrics in Crossroad Blues and Sweet Little Angel?
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2. What differences are there between Crossroad Blues and Sweet Little Angel?
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