Blues, Soul, Rhythm and Blues

These musical styles evolved from work songs and spirituals of African-American traditions from the early 20th century.

Harrison, Daphne Duval. Black Pearls : Blues Queens of the 1920s. New Brunswick, NJ: Rutgers University Press, 1988.

A social history which clarifies the role of black women in American history and demonstrates the economic impact of blues women on the music industry with stories of actual blues singers of the 20's such as Bessie Smith, Victoria Spivey, and many others. With a discography. Music -- CALL NUMBER: 784.53092 H318, B627, 1988

Jones, Hettie. Big Star Fallin' Mama; Five Women in Black Music. New York: Viking Press, 1974.

A book suitable for young people and grown-ups about Ma Rainey, Bessie Smith, Mahalia Jackson, Billie Holiday, and Aretha Franklin. An easy to read introduction to black women blues singers-illustrated and well organized. With a bibliography and discography. Perkins Juvenile -- CALL NUMBER: 920 J7 , 1974

Baker, Etta. One-Dime Blues. Cambridge, MA: Rounder, 1991.

A sound recording from this North Carolina native singer and finger-picked guitar expert. A virtuoso player. Contains 20 tracks. Music Media Center -- CALL NUMBER: CD 1616

Bishop, Heather. A Taste of the Blues. Winnipeg, Manitoba: Mother of Pearl Records, 1986.

This canadian Blues woman recorded 10 tracks with a eleven other musicians. The songs are her own as well as tunes by blues artists such as Joan Armatrading and Billie Holiday. With good black and white shots of studio moments. Music Media Center -- CALL NUMBER: SC 86

Franklin, Aretha. Queen of Soul. New York: Atlantic, 1992.

4 discs and a 79 page booklet make up this comprehensive collection of digitally remastered soul tunes. The booklet contains a discography, essays, and excerpts of interviews with Aretha Franklin. Music Media Center -- CALL NUMBER: CD 2332

Holiday, Billie. The Golden Years of "Lady Day". Italy: Sarabandas, 1986.

Included in the Giants of Jazz series, this sound cassette has 16 blues songs performed by Billie Holiday (1915-1959). An important and representative collection by a classic blues artist. Music Media Center -- CALL NUMBER: SC 64

James, Etta. The Essential Etta James. Universal City, CA: Chess/MCA Records, 1993.

Two discs containing 44 rhythm and blues tracks and a biographical sketch of this "child of a teenage mother who took to calling herself the "daughter of Minnesota Fats". A great, strong and original voice. Music Media Center -- CALL NUMBER: CD 1634

Memphis Minnie. Hoodoo Lady (1933-1937). New York: Columbia/Legacy, 1991.

20 tracks and a short biography are included on this disc by the woman Blues Who's Who called "the greatest of all female singers to record". Music Media Center -- CALL NUMBER: CD 739

Rainey, Ma, 1886-1939. Ma Rainey. Berkeley, CA: Milestone Records : Fantasy [distributor], 1992.

These 24 songs were recorded with Louis Armstrong, Georgia Tom Dorsey and others. With a history of blues music and Ma Rainey's contribution to it. Music Media Center -- CALL NUMBER: CD 1089

She's Got The Blues. Milwaukee, WI: Hal Leonard Pub. Corp., 1992.

A songbook featuring tunes by Ella Fitzgerald and Bessie Smith to Bonnie Raitt and Mariah Carey. With traditional tunes like "Lady Sings the Blues" and "Stormy Weather" as well as newer hit songs. Contains music and lyrics; songs organized alphabetically by title. Music -- CALL NUMBER: M781.643 S554 1992

Koko Taylor, Queen of the Blues. Oak Forrest, IL: MPI Home Video, 1991.

A 55 minute recording with guests Willie Dixon and Buddy Guy of a concert at Legends nightclub (1990). With on the road photography showing Taylor's journey from plantation life to the Chicago streets and world acclaim. Lilly A-V Video cassette -- CALL NUMBER: 3586