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Blues music evolved from southern black American gospel music. The lyrics often discuss secular themes, often bad situations, such as being in poverty or love gone wrong. Common characteristics include a slow tempo, twelve measure chord progression marked by flatted third and flatted seventh chords.
The genre developed in poor areas of Mississippi near the end of the 19th century with strong influences from traditional and spiritual west-African music. W.C. Handy is seen by many as "the father of the blues." Among the genre's first stars were Ressie Smith, Robert Johnson and Huddie Ledbetter.
Following World War II urban blues styles from Chicago took over the country styles and Muddy Walters, Howlin Wolf and B.B. king were among the best known artists during this time as the electric guitar began to replace the traditional guitar. The support of the Rolling Stones, Eric Clampton and Fleetwood Mac helped to promote the genre to white audiences during the 1960s.
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