The Homework Blues:

I woke up this morning,
Knew I had homework to do....
Yes I woke up this morning,
and I knew I had homework to do,
But the sun it wasn't shinin'
and I could only think in Blue.

Here's a great article that talks a little about the history of the blues, and links for some more things to read. :-) This is fun- I kind of like torturing the audience with homework. *giggle*


What is the blues?
http://www.pbs.org/theblues/classroom/essaysblues.html

Who is important to know about in the history of the blues?
( These guys, and me and you. The blues is for the people, got it? )

http://www.pbs.org/theblues/songsartists/songsbioalpha.html

And wow, that list is comprehensive. Scattered throught the descriptions of musicians who have been important to the blues as a musical movement, there are also suggestions of essential songs to listen to. I could probably look through this stuff all day. :-)

Happy reading. I expect a 12 page report on my desk Monday morning---- oh, what, it's already Monday? Well, I guess you're just going to have to write a blues song about it, then. :-)

Peace,
Nicolette

Let’s Learn “House the Rising Sun”

Undoubtedly, The Animals version is the most well loved, although many other musicians have also covered this song.



Here’s several you tube videos that teach a version of this song being played on piano :

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7iL8Z13swnM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qaekMhDPRS4&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8kjeo_h1sXA

and a guitar version:



I love this song, and it has an interesting and somewhat mysterious roots. Here’s also a little bit about the history of this song from Wikipedia:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_House_of_the_Rising_Sun