Blues » Country Blues » Memphis Blues

A strain of country blues all its own, Memphis Blues gives the rise of two distinct forms: the jug band (playing and singing a humorous, jazz-style of blues played on homemade instruments) and the beginnings of assigning parts to guitarists for solo (lead) and rhythm, a tradition that is now part and parcel of all modern day blues -- and rock & roll -- bands. The earliest version of the genre was heavily tied to the local medicine show and vaudeville traditions, lasting well into the late '30s. The later, post-World War II version of this genre featured explosive, distorted electric guitar work, thunderous drumming, and fierce, declamatory vocals.