[Past Event] Evolution of Blues – Part III | In-Person

Course Description:

We continue our tribute to, and appreciation of, the immense contributions made by African Americans to the uniquely American music known as the blues. This semester will be devoted entirely to the works of female blues singers and musicians. We will begin with a look at some of the pioneers, including Ma Rainey, Bessie Smith and Memphis Minnie, explore their influence on later artists, and then work our way to some marvelous current artists including Bonnie Raitt, Ruthie Foster, Shemekia Copeland, and Larkin Poe. In between, we’ll listen to Ruth Brown, Etta James, Big Mama Thornton, Koko Taylor, and Janis Joplin, to name just a few. Please join us even if you weren’t able to take earlier offerings in this series.