Blues Progressions – Details, episodes & analysis

Welcome to Season 2! In this episode we talk about Blues Societies and thier role in keeping the Blues relevent 

Season 2 is coming soon! We will be concentrating on the Blues Community. 

We're are looking for artists, blues societies, broadcasters, venues, historians, fans, retailers, educators and anyone wishing to promote nor share a story related to the Blues.

If you have a suggestion/connection or would liket to appear yourself, please reach out to us via email at host@bluesprogressions.com

This episode explores the Great Migration of both the population and thier music from the deep South to Chicago - This episode has been remastered. Due to some mic issues it is a bit rough. 

The 12-bar blues is the canvas for so many music genres, shaping their harmonic structures, rhythms, and emotional expression.

Updated again as the music sample was missing

Robert Johnson is the obvious starting point for any discussion of the blues. From the crossroads, his true story and the his legend are embedded in so much of the blues and other forms of entertainment. This is being released on the his birthday - May 8th and is the start of our journey

Further information and links on Robert Johnson

1. Life and Career:

• Robert Leroy Johnson was born on May 8, 1911, in Hazlehurst, Mississippi, USA. His landmark recordings in 1936 and 1937 display a combination of singing, guitar skills, and songwriting talent that has influenced later generations of musicians.
• Although his recording career spanned only seven months, he is recognized as a master of the blues, particularly the Delta blues style, and as one of the most influential musicians of the 20th century.
• The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame describes him as perhaps “the first ever rock star” 1.
• Learn more: Robert Johnson - Wikipedia

1. Songs and Legacy:

• Johnson wrote and recorded 29 songs in Dallas and San Antonio from 1936 to 1937. These include classics like “I Believe I’ll Dust My Broom” and “Sweet Home Chicago,” which have become blues standards.
• His songs have been covered by artists such as Muddy Waters, Elmore James, the Rolling Stones, and Eric Clapton 2.
• Explore: Biography - Robert Johnson

1. Legends and Mysterious Details:

• Johnson’s poorly documented life and death have given rise to intriguing legends. One of the most famous is that he sold his soul to the devil at a local crossroads in return for musical success.
• His music had a small but influential following during his lifetime and in the decades after his death.
• Musicologist Alan Lomax played a crucial role in bringing Johnson’s work to a wider audience through the album “King of the Delta Blues Singers” 1.
• Discover more: Britannica - Robert Johnson

1. Listen to His Music:

• Apple Music Playlist

• Spotify Playlist

Introducing Blues Progressions the podcast examining the history, legends and impact of the Blues. Bi-weekly we will share our insights and opinions on how the American musical form has impacted the world.

Blues Progressions - Where Every Note Tells a Story

In this Episode we will highlight the late Hubert Sumlin. We will also recap Season 1 and Preview Season 2. This is the Season finale of Season 1. Please visit our website for playlists and other information 

How to listen to / Add the accompanying music playlists on your Phone

Apple Music

Open Music App

Tap search in the lower right corner

Type Blues Progressions in search box (make sure Apple Music is selected under search bar  - not Library)

Hit Search lower right

Select playlists in options under search box

Select the playlist you would like to listen to

If you want to add to your library, select the three dots on upper right and in menu select add to library

Spotify

Open Spotify App

Tap search in the lower center left

Type Blues Progressions in search box

In the results look foe Blues Progressions - There will be 2 one is the podcast (subtitle will say podcast and author name)

The music playlist will have a rubber duck profile picture and have the subtitle of profile - select this one

You will be given a list of playlists (you can hit “see all playlists” to see all of them

Select the one you like to listen (if you have a premium account yo can download as well)

Use the following link to join our mailing list: 

mailing list

In Episode 9, we explore the Electronification Blues Music and how it changed and grew the genre.

How to listen to / Add the accompanying music playlists on your Phone

Apple Music

Open Music App

Tap search in the lower right corner

Type Blues Progressions in search box (make sure Apple Music is selected under search bar  - not Library)

Hit Search lower right

Select playlists in options under search box

Select the playlist you would like to listen to

If you want to add to your library, select the three dots on upper right and in menu select add to library

Spotify

Open Spotify App

Tap search in the lower center left

Type Blues Progressions in search box

In the results look foe Blues Progressions - There will be 2 one is the podcast (subtitle will say podcast and author name)

The music playlist will have a rubber duck profile picture and have the subtitle of profile - select this one

You will be given a list of playlists (you can hit “see all playlists” to see all of them

Select the one you like to listen (if you have a premium account yo can download as well)

Use the following link to join our mailing list: 

mailing list

In Episode 8 we explore the Blues Brothers (Band and Movies). We will discuss who they were and why they are so important to the genre

With the recent release of the Slash (and friends) album 'Orgy of the Damned', it brought forward some fantastic Blues covers. Along this vein we will explore great and most common covers of Blues songs. 

How to listen to / Add Playlists on Phone

Apple Music

Open Music App

Tap search in the lower right corner

Type Blues Progressions in search box (make sure Apple Music is selected under search bar  - not Library)

Hit Search lower right

Select playlists in options under search box

Select the playlist you would like to listen to

If you want to add to your library, select the three dots on upper right and in menu select add to library

Spotify

Open Spotify App

Tap search in the lower center left

Type Blues Progressions in search box

In the results look foe Blues Progressions - There will be 2 one is the podcast (subtitle will say podcast and author name)

The music playlist will have a rubber duck profile picture and have the subtitle of profile - select this one

You will be given a list of playlists (you can hit “see all playlists” to see all of them

Select the one you like to listen (if you have a premium account yo can download as well)