The Feeling in 12 Bars
The blues isn’t just music—it’s a feeling, a story, a piece of American history etched into every bent note and heartfelt lyric. Born in the Deep South during the late 19th century, the blues emerged from the African American experience, channeling pain, hope, and resilience into twelve bars of raw emotion.
At its core, the blues is deeply personal. It speaks of hard times, lost love, and the struggles of everyday life, yet somehow transforms suffering into something beautiful. The classic twelve-bar structure provides a framework, but it’s what happens within those measures that matters. A guitarist bends a string just so, a vocalist stretches a word across several beats, and suddenly you’re not just hearing music—you’re feeling someone’s truth.
The influence of the blues stretches far beyond its Mississippi Delta origins. It laid the groundwork for rock and roll, jazz, R&B, and countless other genres. Without the blues, there would be no Rolling Stones, no Jimi Hendrix, no Eric Clapton. Artists continue to draw from this wellspring, finding new ways to express age-old emotions.
What makes the blues timeless is its honesty. There’s no pretense, no hiding behind production tricks. It’s often just a voice, a guitar, and a story that needs telling. Whether it’s Robert Johnson at a crossroads, Muddy Waters electrifying Chicago, or contemporary artists keeping the tradition alive, the blues remains a vital force in music.
The blues reminds us that music can be a sanctuary, a way to process life’s difficulties and come out stronger on the other side. It proves that sometimes the most powerful art comes from the deepest places within us.
Want to dive deeper into the blues? Don’t miss our episodes below the page. They feature an exclusive interview with Canadian blues legend David Gogo. Plus, enjoy a compelling short history of Mississippi Blues—the birthplace of it all. You don’t want to miss it!
Interview
Canadian Blues Legend David Gogo
This episode features an in-depth conversation with David Gogo, a Canadian blues legend from Nanaimo, British Columbia, who has spent over three decades in the music industry. The interview explores his upbringing, musical influences, and career spanning 16 solo albums, including his latest release “YEAH!” which earned him a 2025 Juno nomination for Blues Album of the Year. Gogo discusses sharing stages with blues icons like B.B. King, Buddy Guy, Bo Diddley, and others, with his collaboration with B.B. King being particularly memorable. The interview touches on his current ventures selling Christmas trees and hot sauce, offering listeners a well-rounded portrait of a blues artist who blends music, humor, and storytelling.
MISSISSIPPI BLUES (Short-History)
Ever wonder how the blues went from the Mississippi Delta to shaping everything we listen to today? We’re diving deep into the roots of America’s most soulful music—from the painful origins during the slave trade to the legendary crossroads where Robert Johnson allegedly sold his soul. We’ll trace the evolution of the electric guitar, explore 35 different types of blues you need to know, and celebrate the legends who made it all happen: Muddy Waters, T-Bone Walker, Freddie King, and more.
Whether you’re a blues purist or just love good music, this episode will make you feel every note. Hit subscribe and get ready to feel the soul.
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