A History of the Blues

This link provides the viewer with a carefully curated playlist 

of songs discussed in this presentation Spotify Audio

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This video clip, taken from the major motion picture, Rumble, discusses the musical connection between African Americans and Native Americans including The Grandfather of the Delta Blues, Charley Patton and his use of native rhythms in blues music. 

                                                               Charley Patton: Native American

Other noted blues/ roots musicians with Native American ancestry include Jimi Hendrix, Champion Jack Dupree, Mato Nanji (Indigenous), Link Wray, T-Bone Walker, Omaha's own Wynonie Harris (Good Rockin' Tonight), Buffy Saint Marie, Hank Williams, Jesse Ed Davis, Rhiannon Giddens, Tina Turner, Ben Harper, Omaha's John Trudell, Robbie Robertson, The Neville Brothers, James Brown, and Redbone. 

Other names, but unverified, often included in this list of artists includes Elvis Presley, Howlin' Wolf, Billy Lee Riley, and Albert Collins. 

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If you enjoyed today's presentation, tune into Pacific Street Blues & Americana, Sunday's 9 - Noon on 89.7 FM The River. Shows are archived at numerous podcast sites including Pacific Street Blues & Americana podcast. 

Broadcasting since 1991, the Ecclectricty of Pacific Street Blues and Americana weaves together a divergent mix of old and new blues against a texture of Americana roots, and the rock bands you either grew up with...or wish you had. Pacific St. Blues and Americana is a highly knowledgeable, Omaha centric, radio show for those that hold a lust in their hearts to hear new music that is anchored in the love and lore from the blues to those halcyon music daze gone-by. Recipient of the Keeping the Blues Alive Award, 2010. 

Galusha also teaches the course, Notes and Votes, PS 152 at Bellevue University.  This course examines how music reflects the events and social movements of the 20th Century in American society. Contact Rick for additional information. 

Thanks for listening! Rick