Delta Blues Audiobook By Ted Gioia cover art

Delta Blues

The Life and Times of the Mississippi Masters Who Revolutionized American Music

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Delta Blues

By: Ted Gioia
Narrated by: Chris Abernathy
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The definitive account of how the rough sounds of the Mississippi Delta changed the course of American popular music.

The blues grew out of the plantations and prisons, the swampy marshes and fertile cotton fields of the Mississippi Delta. With original research and keen insights, Ted Gioia - the author of a landmark study of West Coast jazz and the critically acclaimed The History of Jazz - brings to life the stirring music of the Delta, evoking the legendary figures who shaped its sound and ethos: Robert Johnson, Charley Patton, Muddy Waters, John Lee Hooker, Howlin' Wolf, B. B. King, and others.

Tracing the history of the Delta blues from the field hollers and plantation music of the 19th century to the exploits of modern-day musicians in the Delta tradition, Delta Blues tells the full story of this timeless and unforgettable music. No cultural force boasts such humble origins or such world-conquering reverberations. In this evocative rags-to-riches tale, Gioia shows how the sounds of the Delta altered the course of popular music in America and in the world beyond.

©2008 Ted Gioia (P)2021 Tantor Entertainment & Celebrities History & Criticism Music Celebrity Musician
Well-researched History • Fascinating Musician Stories • Excellent Historical Content • Comprehensive Blues Coverage
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This was an excellent book about the amazing musicians from Mississippi and how many of them were rediscovered later in their lives. The book had many heartfelt stories and funny moments. It was a pleasure to listen to.

Excellent

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As always, with Ted Gioia’s books, this is an easy and entertaining read. It is inclusive but not encyclopedic. It goes in depth just enough to be educational but does not lose its steady pace.

Also, many recommendations of the various artist’s works are provided, so it’s easy to make your own Delta Blues playlist on whatever music streaming service you subscribe, too.

Very enjoyable primer to the old country blues.

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This was an amazing journey! I’m from Greenville, Mississippi. I can’t wait for my next trip home. Great job on this book! Loved it!

Very interesting all the way through!

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This man really knows how to write a book. If there was such a thing as a standard textbook for the blues, this would be it. Also see his outstanding subversive history of music.

Superb

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Of all the books I have ever listened to here this one riveted me the most. That’s different from being the best book which it’s not. However, I simply couldn’t stop listening in awe and no other audiobook has captivated me like that. This book is an absolute gem and I’m so happy I listen to it. You won’t regret it.

You won’t regret it

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Love this book! A wealth of information on the times, locations, and most importantly the players!

Delta Blues

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Excellent stories, great writing, great narration.

Great for learning where our roots come from. Worth every penny.

For the Blues Lovers.

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If you geek out on old blues and are fascinated by the musicians that made them, this is an excellent book!

Excellent Blues book.

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If you want to dive into the history of the blues, this is a great place to start. I found it helpful to pause the audiobook occasionally and listen to the music the author is discussing. Looking forward to reading and listening to more of Ted Gioia’s music history books.

Great overview

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Didn’t want it to end, such a deep level of detail and passion. Class A book

Exhaustive and enjoyable book

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