The Blues "The blues are the roots; everything else is the fruits." - Willie Dixon The Blues, executive produced by filmmaker Martin Scorsese, anchors a multi-media project to help raise awareness of the blues and its contribution to American culture and music worldwide. The series explores the subject of the blues through seven impressionistic films from world-famous directors, such as Clint Eastwood, Wim Wenders, Mike Figgis and Scorsese himself, each of whom shares a personal passion for the music. The films capture the essence of the blues and delves into its global influence, from its roots in Africa to its inspirational role in today's music. When's it on? Visit the Site What aspect of blues music (i.e. soulful lyrics, wonderful musicianship, etc.) appeals to you most? How important do you think blues music is to American culture? Has it made the same impact on world culture? Do you think there is a connection between the history of the blues and race relations in the U.S.? African-Americans originally gave the blues a voice many years ago. Today, some of the most famous blues singers are Caucasian. Do you think both groups are able to "sing the blues?" Beale Street evolved from a thriving music scene decades ago to a contemporary tourist mecca. What other American cities house similar cultural examples? Some musicians say that young people aren't interested in the roots of American music. Do you think it's important for music teachers to include the blues in curriculums? Why or why not? How can music called "the blues" be uplifting? Can the British, whose musical tradition doesn't include the blues, be truly good bluesmen? Do you agree that it's important to keep roots music alive if few people are interested and the music isn't commercially viable? Why or why not? Some blacks have accused white musicians of ripping off black artists. What are your thoughts about this? Today's music artists are slickly packaged and delivered to audiences by way of MTV, VH1, etc. Have blues artists, past and present, had trouble gaining notoriety because their images aren't mainstream enough?
© PBS 1995-2009. All rights reserved.