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07:04

When Blues Met Rock and Roll

Rock historian Ed Ward has part four of our five part series on the evolution of blues music in America. He talks about how the regional nature of the blues kept it flourishing during the dawn of rock and roll.

Commentary
25:51

B.B. King on Leaving Mississippi

Part 2 of Terry's interview with the influential blues guitarists and singers. In this segment, he talks about making it to Memphis, a city that expanded his musical horizons.

Interview
13:56

Blues Legend B.B. King

He's known as the King of the Blues. King was born on a cotton plantation in Mississippi before moving to Memphis where he began his career. Since then, among numerous other awards, he's received seven Grammies, an MTV award, and a Presidential Medal of the Arts. He is also a member of the Rock-and-Roll Hall of Fame. In his biography, entitled "Blues All Around Me" he recounts his life from his early days in Mississippi, to breaking into the music business in Memphis, to his career today. He has over 74 albums to his credit.

Interview
06:58

A Look at the First Years of the Blues

Rock historian Ed Ward begins his five-part series on the history of the blues. Today's installment includes Mamie Smith, Blind Lemon Jefferson, Furry Lewis, Blind Willie Johnson, and Tommy Johnson.

Commentary
21:52

Remembering an Early DJ Who Broke Racial Boundaries

Music artist Jim Dickinson talks about his friend and legendary Memphis deejay, Dewey Philips. Philips is best known as the first person to play Elvis Presley on the air. He also pushed the racial barriers of the time by playing a mix of music by black and white artists.

Interview

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