In Search of the Blues

In Search of the Blues
by Marybeth Hamilton

In Search of the Blues
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Book Summary Information

Author: Marybeth Hamilton
Edition: Hardcover
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published)
Published: 2008-01-28
ISBN: 0465028586
Number of pages: 320
Publisher: Basic Books

Book Reviews of In Search of the Blues

Book Review: Fascinating and well written . . .
Summary: 5 Stars

This book is not a history of blues music. It does not include detailed biographical sketches of prominent blues musicians. Rather, it is a historical study of a series of white foklorists and record collectors who sought to interpret and/or promote African-American "folk" music from about 1900 through the early 1960s. Thus, you will find biographical sketches of Howard Odum, Dorothy Scarborough, John Lomax, Alan Lomax, Frederic Ramsey and James McKune. Each of these individuals had a different take on the music and its meaning. Some had backward racial views and others had political agendas. To varying degrees they were influential in shaping how we view the music today.

As a long-time fan (and yes, record collector) of blues and jazz music from the 1920s through the 1960s, I found this book to be fascinating. It adds another dimension to the history of African-American "folk" music (rather broadly defined to include artists like Jelly Roll Morton) - not so much the history of the music itself, but the way it has been defined and packaged by white "experts" and connoisseurs. Well written, well documented and highly recommended.

Summary of In Search of the Blues

Leadbelly, Robert Johnson, Charley Patton-we are all familiar with the story of the Delta blues. Fierce, raw voices; tormented drifters; deals with the devil at the crossroads at midnight.

In this extraordinary reconstruction of the origins of the Delta blues, historian Marybeth Hamilton demonstrates that the story as we know it is largely a myth. The idea of something called Delta blues only emerged in the mid-twentieth century, the culmination of a longstanding white fascination with the exotic mysteries of black music.

Hamilton shows that the Delta blues was effectively invented by white pilgrims, seekers, and propagandists who headed deep into America?s south in search of an authentic black voice of rage and redemption. In their quest, and in the immense popularity of the music they championed, we confront America?s ongoing love affair with racial difference.

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