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Huge volumes of material are written about the blues. Rather ironic, considering that it is essentially an oral tradition, passed on without the use of notation. Even among those of us who listen and imitate, the urge to read and write about the music we love is a strong one. Some of the publications listed here offer insight into the music, often in the words of the musicians themselves. They also provide the scholarship necessary to document and archive music of the past and to shed light on contemporary efforts in the field. Besides their informative content, these newsletters and magazines are just plain fun to read!
Though societies and organizations devoted to blues music are not new, they are springing up all over the world. Europe has been thirsting for the music since the 1920's, when a great number of black musicians migrated there seeking equal opportunity. Even in the 1970's some musicians were better known across the Atlantic than in their own backyard. That situation has just about come to an end. Now the Europeans are exporting their blues musicians to the United States.
The cross-cultural influences continue to keep the face of the blues fresh and ever changing here in this country. Fusion is the name of the game. Even so, there are always new musicians discovering the roots of the music and putting their own twist on traditional styles. The blues societies help tie all of these various factions and splinter groups together by fostering communication between musicians and listeners alike. In a sense, they help spread the gospel of the blues.
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