History Of The Blues Quiz: Trivia

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History Of The Blues Quiz: Trivia - Quiz

Do you know anything about the story of the blues? Do you think you can ACE this quiz? You must recognize what year were songs considered to be early examples of the blues first documented, who was the “father of the blues,” what woman was one of the most famous and influential blues singers, and which blues singer wrote a song called “Strange Fruit. ” If you take this quiz, you will not be singing the blues.

Questions and Answers

1.

Songs thought to be early examples of the blues were first documented as being heard around the year ______.

Explanation
The answer, 1870, suggests that songs believed to be early examples of the blues were first recorded or documented as being heard around that time. This indicates that the blues genre may have originated or gained recognition in the late 19th century. It implies that the roots of the blues can be traced back to this period, providing a historical context for the development of the genre.

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2.

The form of the blues is called _________________ because the first line of text is generally repeated with a contrasting third line.

Explanation
The form of the blues is called AAB because it follows a specific pattern where the first line of text is repeated, and then followed by a contrasting third line. This pattern creates a structure and rhythm that is characteristic of the blues genre.

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3.

The self-proclaimed “Father of the Blues” was a man named __________.

Explanation
W.C. Handy is known as the "Father of the Blues" because he was a prominent African-American composer and musician who played a significant role in popularizing the blues genre. He composed numerous blues songs, including the famous "St. Louis Blues," and his contributions helped shape and define the blues as a distinct musical style. Handy's work and influence on the development of the blues have earned him the title of the "Father of the Blues."

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4.

The blues first began in a geographical crescent across the south, ranging from the Carolina’s through the delta to Texas. But the early blues are most often associated with the state of ______________.

Explanation
The early blues are most often associated with the state of Mississippi because it was in Mississippi that the blues began to take shape and develop into a distinct musical genre. Many influential blues musicians, such as Robert Johnson, Muddy Waters, and B.B. King, originated from Mississippi and their music played a significant role in shaping the blues as we know it today. Mississippi's rich musical heritage and its historical connection to African American culture make it a central and important location in the history of the blues.

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5.

Many recordings of early examples of the blues were recorded in _________ because the culture is essentially frozen when people go in to serve their time.

Explanation
Early examples of the blues were often recorded in prison because the culture within prisons remains relatively unchanged over time. When people are serving their time in prison, the environment and lifestyle become stagnant, creating a preserved atmosphere that reflects the past. This preserved culture makes prisons an ideal setting for recording early examples of the blues, as it allows artists to capture the authentic essence of the music and its historical roots.

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6.

Women blues singers played an important role in the growth of popularity of the blues. One of the most famous was a woman named _____________ Smith.

Explanation
Bessie Smith was one of the most famous women blues singers who played a significant role in the popularity and growth of the blues genre. She was known for her powerful voice and emotional delivery, which captivated audiences and influenced future generations of musicians. Bessie Smith's contributions to the blues made her a legendary figure in the music industry.

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7.

Blues could often be heard across the south in informal gathering places called ________ joints.

Explanation
In this context, "juke joints" refers to informal gathering places in the South where blues music could often be heard. These establishments were typically small, rural venues where people would come together to socialize, dance, and listen to live music. The term "juke joint" originated in the early 20th century and became popular during the heyday of the blues genre. It is closely associated with African American culture and played a significant role in the development and dissemination of blues music.

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8.

The early “delta” or “country” blues were often performed by a singer accompanied by acoustic __________.

Explanation
The early "delta" or "country" blues were often performed by a singer accompanied by acoustic guitar. This instrument was commonly used in blues music during that time period and provided the rhythmic and melodic support for the singer. The guitar's versatility allowed the performer to create a variety of sounds and styles, enhancing the emotional impact of the blues. Its portable nature also made it accessible for traveling musicians, contributing to the spread and popularity of the genre.

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9.

As the blues grew in popularity, their listening audience moved up the _______________ river.

Explanation
As the blues grew in popularity, their listening audience moved up the Mississippi river. This suggests that the blues genre originated in the Mississippi region and gained popularity among the people living along the river. The movement of the audience up the river indicates the spread and influence of the blues music in that area. The Mississippi river played a significant role in the development and dissemination of the blues, making it an integral part of the genre's history.

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10.

The blues spread northward first to the city of ____________ and then on to Chicago and the Harlem district of New York.

Explanation
The blues originated in the southern United States, particularly in the Mississippi Delta region. As the genre gained popularity, it began to spread northward. Memphis, Tennessee, played a crucial role in this spread, acting as a major hub for blues musicians and a center for recording and distribution. Many influential blues artists, such as B.B. King and Howlin' Wolf, were based in Memphis and helped to popularize the genre further. From Memphis, the blues continued to expand and eventually reached cities like Chicago and the Harlem district of New York.

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11.

In part, the spread of the blues northward was due to the migration of people moving northward after the civil war looking for _______ in industrial areas.

Explanation
After the Civil War, many people migrated northward in search of employment opportunities in industrial areas. This migration contributed to the spread of the blues music genre as people brought their cultural traditions and musical styles with them. The blues, originating in the Deep South, gained popularity among the African American communities in the industrial North, reflecting their experiences and struggles. The availability of jobs in these areas provided a platform for the blues to flourish and reach a wider audience.

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12.

One of the most influential blues players of the early 20^th century was a legendary performer named _____________ who died at a very early age and, as legend has it, was said to have “sold his sole to the devil” to become a better guitarist.

Explanation
Robert Johnson is known as one of the most influential blues players of the early 20th century. He died at a young age and there is a legend surrounding him that he sold his soul to the devil in order to become a better guitarist. This legend has become a part of his legacy and adds to his mystique as a musician.

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13.

As the blues moved northward, the instruments became __________ so that they could be heard in larger venues and noisy clubs.

Explanation
As the blues music genre started to gain popularity and spread to northern regions, the musicians needed to adapt their instruments to be heard in larger venues and noisy clubs. Therefore, they began using amplification techniques to increase the volume and projection of their instruments. This allowed the music to be heard more clearly and effectively in these settings, ensuring that the audience could fully experience the blues music.

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14.

The most popular blues singer of the twentieth century was ______________, who was also known by the nick name, “Lady Day.”

Explanation
Billie Holiday, also known as "Lady Day," was the most popular blues singer of the twentieth century. She gained immense popularity and recognition for her soulful and emotive singing style, which captivated audiences worldwide. Her unique voice and ability to convey deep emotions through her music made her a legendary figure in the blues genre. Billie Holiday's impact and influence on the music industry continue to be felt even today, solidifying her status as the most popular blues singer of the twentieth century.

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15.

Billie Holiday wrote a song about the racial lynchings going on in the south that was called “__________ Fruit.”

Explanation
Billie Holiday wrote a song about the racial lynchings going on in the south that was called "Strange Fruit." This song is a powerful and haunting depiction of the violence and racism faced by African Americans during that time. The lyrics describe the hanging bodies as "strange fruit" hanging from the trees, symbolizing the brutality and injustice of the lynchings. By choosing this title, Holiday brings attention to the horrors of racial violence and calls for change.

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16.

The musical styles of blues and _______ have influenced one another a great deal.

Explanation
The musical styles of blues and jazz have influenced one another a great deal. Jazz, with its improvisational nature and emphasis on syncopation, drew heavily from the blues, incorporating its expressive melodies and use of blue notes. In turn, blues musicians were inspired by the virtuosity and complex harmonies of jazz, incorporating elements such as extended chords and swing rhythms into their music. This cross-pollination between blues and jazz has resulted in a rich and diverse musical heritage, with both genres continuing to influence and inspire each other to this day.

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17.

The early recordings recorded by black performers and for black audiences were called _________ records.

Explanation
The early recordings recorded by black performers and for black audiences were called "race" records. This term was used to categorize music that was specifically marketed towards African Americans during the early 20th century. These records played a significant role in the development of various genres such as blues, jazz, and gospel, and were an important platform for black artists to showcase their talent and creativity. The term "race" records reflected the racial segregation prevalent in the music industry at that time, where black artists were often marginalized and excluded from mainstream platforms.

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18.

The integration of blues and jazz bands started to occur around the same time that integration of military units in the Armed Forces started to occur during World War ______________.

Explanation
During World War II, the integration of military units in the Armed Forces started to occur. This integration was a significant step towards ending racial segregation and promoting equality within the military. Similarly, around the same time, the integration of blues and jazz bands also started to occur. This integration was a reflection of the changing social attitudes towards racial equality and the recognition of African American musicians' talent and contribution to the music industry.

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19.

Name at least three characteristics of the blues:

Explanation
Two other characteristics could include African roots and combination of field hollers and Scottish-Irish narrative ballads called “rhymed” ballads.

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Current Version
Mar 22, 2023

Quiz Edited by
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Nov 28, 2010

Quiz Created by
Arsnova

History Of The Blues Quiz: Trivia

Songs thought to be early examples of the blues were first documented as being heard around the year ______.

The form of the blues is called _________________ because the first line of text is generally repeated with a contrasting third line.

The self-proclaimed “Father of the Blues” was a man named __________.

The blues first began in a geographical crescent across the south, ranging from the Carolina’s through the delta to Texas. But the early blues are most often associated with the state of ______________.

Many recordings of early examples of the blues were recorded in _________ because the culture is essentially frozen when people go in to serve their time.

Women blues singers played an important role in the growth of popularity of the blues. One of the most famous was a woman named _____________ Smith.

Blues could often be heard across the south in informal gathering places called ________ joints.

The early “delta” or “country” blues were often performed by a singer accompanied by acoustic __________.

As the blues grew in popularity, their listening audience moved up the _______________ river.

The blues spread northward first to the city of ____________ and then on to Chicago and the Harlem district of New York.

In part, the spread of the blues northward was due to the migration of people moving northward after the civil war looking for _______ in industrial areas.

One of the most influential blues players of the early 20th century was a legendary performer named _____________ who died at a very early age and, as legend has it, was said to have “sold his sole to the devil” to become a better guitarist.

As the blues moved northward, the instruments became __________ so that they could be heard in larger venues and noisy clubs.

The most popular blues singer of the twentieth century was ______________, who was also known by the nick name, “Lady Day.”

Billie Holiday wrote a song about the racial lynchings going on in the south that was called “__________ Fruit.”

The musical styles of blues and _______ have influenced one another a great deal.

The early recordings recorded by black performers and for black audiences were called _________ records.

The integration of blues and jazz bands started to occur around the same time that integration of military units in the Armed Forces started to occur during World War ______________.

Name at least three characteristics of the blues:

One of the most influential blues players of the early 20^th century was a legendary performer named _____________ who died at a very early age and, as legend has it, was said to have “sold his sole to the devil” to become a better guitarist.