Influence on society
Many historians think that blues began with a ‘call and response’ style in the shape of work songs that developed into what we know as blues. In the 19th century, white Americans listened to black music for the first time through blackface minstrel shows. These shows affected the relation between the two races in both a positive and negative way. The recording of Blues during the 20th century helped the spreading of it. It is often said that African-American music has improved race relations in the USA since it was recognized by whites. Blues music brought something new to the music scene that turned the focus to the blacks and their importance in culture and society.
Reconciliation between two races?
'Stories tell of black musicians playing dances where a cord was used to divide the dance floor in half, one side for blacks and the other for whites.' says Bluesthesis. 'By the end of the evening, the cord would be on the floor and blacks and whites would be dancing together. They were not seeing color, they were just feeling the music. It was a place where they could enjoy themselves and leave the racial laws at the door.'.
