The Blues: Pain, History, and Poetry

Mississippi and Louisiana have been instrumental in creating some of the most popular music in our country and around the world. The 12-bar blues song form is American poetry. This presentation will examine the basic blues song model and examine how its roots played a large part in the development of jazz, country, rock, R&B, gospel, bluegrass, zydeco, and rap. Through the presentation, audiences will hear an explanation of the 1-4-5 blues song, delivered with guitar and vocal examples from American musical history, participate in “writing” a blues song, and have the chance to present such a creation. Through “The Blues: Pain, History, and Poetry,” listeners will gain a deeper understanding of how the South’s complicated history has led to music that is recognized the world over.

Speakers Expertise:

Shannon "Bayou" Williford's history as a musician starts with listening to blues growing up in Jackson, MS; then learning harmonica in the jook joints of Baton Rouge and becoming fairly celebrated as a blues harp player over 15 years. A move to Nashville led to playing harmonica in many different genres; teaching for Nashville's Metro Parks Music Department; and doing upwards of 200 performances a year. Since "retirement" to the family favorite home on the MS beach, he still plays around 15 dates a month; doing festivals, schools, restaurants, bars, churches and private parties. As a former classroom teacher - 7 years English - he lecture/performs as a blues music historian; with presentations to groups of all ages. "Bayou" is an old pro sharing his knowledge and making music with guitar, harmonica and vocals!