Topic: Defining "Memphis Blues"

[Mister Steve]

Just an open question, if possible to define "Memphis Blues."  By definition, is it indeed more flexible?  I would welcome more experienced forum members here to chime in.

[frankie]

If I could have been anywhere in 1927 through 1929, I think it would have been Memphis...  it seems like it was such a major crossroads and hub of activity.  You were probably almost guaranteed to hear good musicians from almost any part of the country who were passing through.

It makes me wonder - and I know I'm avoiding a definition....  seems like a lot of the musicians who have been identified as Memphis musicians have their roots in northern Mississippi...  (Wilkins, Furry, Stokes, Cannon too...)

[Johnm]

Hi Steve,
I don't know that there is a musical definition of Memphis Blues, as such, from that period.  If so, it would have to encompass the very broad range of what the players in Memphis wound up doing.  And, as per Frankie's observation, a lot, or most of the people we think of as Memphis Blues players gravitated there from elsewhere.  Maybe the best we can do is definition by location--the music played by the musicians who congregated in and performed in Memphis in the '20s, '30s, and for some, into the '40s and beyond.
All best,
Johnm

[Mister Steve]

I wouldn't mind being in Memphis right now, but that's another story...

I think though, and I've been developing this sense of music, that audience also plays a huge part in shaping music.  The Wikipedia definition does include refs to the artists and of course the medicine shows, jug bands, etc...and Memphis is seen as a "destination."  For me, that's a good thing.

Just would be curious at laying down some characteristics...I'll start with one: emphasis on being entertaining.  This isn't to say that other types of CB aren't entertaining, but fair to say the diversity of audiences also shaped the music in Memphis?

I gotta say again overall I love Memphis Blues.

BTW, Cyndi Lauper has an album (which has BB King on it) getting some great reviews..."Memphis Blues."

Thanks frankie and Johnm.