Rent Blues Masters: The Essential History of The Blues (2003)
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1h 40min
- General info
- Available formats
- Synopsis:
Born on the plantations of the Mississippi Delta, the blues is America's root music. Few performances of the early masters were ever captured on film, but those that were are profoundly insightful and entertaining. Son House, one of the earliest legends, sits alone with his dobro, his large hands attacking the strings, and the thunder of his voice filling the room. In the only known performance of Leadbelly, he stands by himself, legs bowed and eyes ablaze as he renders his tune. Bessie Smith, IVIamie Smith, and Ethel Waters, the earliest divas, pour their hearts into their songs and take the music to new levels of popularity. Big Bill Broonzy creates an irresistible guitar shuffle that reverberates to this day, Roy Milton rocks the house, and Jimmy Rushing gives the blues a Count Basie beat. Ida Cox and Big Mama Thornton bring their own rhythms to the blues, while Billie Holiday makes it fine and mellow. Muddy Waters and Big Joe Turner pave the way for rack 'n' roll and the blues finds classic interpreters in the modern expression of Joe Williams, Buddy Guy, Jimmy Witherspoon and B.B.King.
Tracklisting
- Son House - Levee Camp Blues
- Leadbelly - Pick A Bale O' Cotton
- Bessie Smith - St. Louis Blues
- Mamie Smith - Lord, Lord, Lord - Harlem Blues
- Roy Milton with June Richmond - Hey, Lawdy Mama
- Jimmy Rushing with Count Basie - Take Me Back, Baby
- Ethel Waters with Count Basie - Quicksand
- Big Bill Broonzy - Guitar Shuffle
- Ida Cox - Four Day Creep
- Billie Holiday - Fine And Mellow
- Muddy Waters - Hoochie Coochie Man
- Big Joe Turner - Shake, Rattle And Roll
- Joe Williams with Jimmy Rushing - Going To Chicago
- Buddy Guy - I Got My Eyes On You
- Jimmy Witherspoon - Ain't Nobody's Business
- B.B. King - Darlin' You Know I Love You- Actors:
- Son House, Leadbelly, Bessie Smith, Mamie Smith, Roy Milton, June Richmond, Jimmy Rushing, Count Basie, Ethel Waters, Big Bill Broonzy, Ida Cox, Billie Holiday, Muddy Waters, Big Joe Turner, Joe Williams, Buddy Guy, Jimmy Witherspoon, BB King
- Studio:
- Warner
- Genres:
- Music & Musicals
