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The Blues: Commercialism and Exploitation of Legendary Artists

This exploration delves into the commercialization and exploitation faced by blues musicians, particularly focusing on figures like Bessie Smith and Robert Johnson. Many artists didn't believe in commercialism and relied on word-of-mouth for their success. However, exploitative record labels took advantage of their lack of literacy, often leaving them unaware of contract terms and royalties. Bessie Smith, the "Empress of the Blues," and Robert Johnson, known for timeless tracks like "Cross Road Blues," are emblematic of the struggles against a corrupt music industry.

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The Blues: Commercialism and Exploitation of Legendary Artists

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  1. Group Blues tunes The Blues

  2. Commercialism & Exploitation Many blues artists didn't believe in commercialism Songs spread by word of mouth When Blues became popular many “corrupt” record labels exploited black artists For Example, Bessie Smith was paid between $125 - $200 per song Due to many African – Americans being unable to read or write they signed contracts without understanding them They did not know what royalties were and often did not receive any

  3. Blues Artists Robert Johnson

  4. Robert Johnson Born in Mississippi in may 1911 Poorly documented life, died at 27 Talented blues singer/songwriter and guitar player Myth about he learned to play guitar Itinerant Musician He signed to the American Record Corporation and recorded 29 songs between '36 and '37 His songs only became famous in the 60's after his death

  5. Robert Johnson “Cross Road Blues,” “Love In Vain,” “Hellhound On My Trail,” “I Believe I¹ll Dust My Broom,” “Walking Blues,” “Sweet Home Chicago.” are just some of Johnson's well known songs.

  6. Blues Artists Bessie Smith

  7. Bessie Smith – The Empress of the Blues Born in Chattanooga in April 1984 Most popular female blues singer of the 20's and 30's Formed her act in 1913 Signed to Columbia records in 1923 and produced 160 records Her first release was "Gulf Coast Blues" and "Downhearted Blues" Died in September 1937 after a car crash

  8. References • “Negro Folk Music U.S.A” by Harold Courlander, 1992 • Wikipedia – Robert Johnson and Bessie Smith • “Popular Music – The Blues Edition” • “Robert Johnson Blues Foundation”

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