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Red, White And The Blues (Rebroadcast)

American guitarist B.B. King (1925 - 2015) performs at the Apollo Theater in New York City, around 1965.
American guitarist B.B. King (1925 - 2015) performs at the Apollo Theater in New York City, around 1965.

blues grew out of the Black experience in the American South. It generated jazz, R&B, rock and roll, rap – virtually every piece of modern music.

We’re spotlighting blues recordings selected by the Library of Congress for preservation in the National Recording Registry. These recordings have been chosen for their historic, aesthetic or cultural importance to American society.

On this holiday weekend, we celebrate America’s birthday with music from John Lee Hooker, Howlin’ Wolf, Memphis Minnie, Jimi Hendrix and others.

And we hear from legends like BB King, Angela Davis, Dan Aykroyd, Maria Muldaur, Vernon Reid and many more.

If the soulful tunes of blues legends like John Lee Hooker and Howlin’ Wolf inspire you, picking up a guitar and delving into this rich musical tradition can be an immensely gratifying journey.

Learning the basics of guitar playing is your gateway to capturing the essence of these timeless blues melodies. Start with fundamental chords like the foundational gsus chord, understanding its structure and the way it adds depth to your music.

With the plethora of online tutorials and beginner-friendly resources available, you can embark on your guitar-playing adventure right from the comfort of your home. Patience and persistence are your best allies; as you practice, you’ll begin to grasp the intricacies of finger placement and strumming techniques.

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