Books like Africa and the Blues (American Made Music) by Gerhard Kubik

Paul Oliver’s definitive history of the blues, enriched with over two hundred vintage photographs and a new introduction, chronicles the African American singers, musicians, and settings that birthed this enduring genre.

"Blues with a Feeling explores the life, times, and musical creations of a founder of the Chicago Blues style. Little Walter revolutionized blues harmonica playing, and is generally recognized as the greatest innovator in modern blues. Beginning in the early '50s as a sideman with the legendary Muddy Waters, Walter appeared on many of Muddy's classic recordings through the mid-'60s, even after striking out on his own. Walter had several hits, including the #1 R&B songs, "Juke" and "My Babe," and his distinctive, heavily distorted, amplified harmonica style has been influential on all following generations of players. But his life was fraught with tragedy; he died young at the age of just 37, after years of hard living. For years, Walter's life story - even the exact names of his parents and his date of birth - have been shrouded in mystery. Now a trio of blues researchers have unearthed new information about how Walter lived and created the music that made him famous. Blues With A Feeling is an important addition to the literature on this distinctive musical style, and a must-read for any fan of the blues."--BOOK JACKET.

Blues People offers an in‑depth, scholarly examination of African‑American music, tracing the evolution of blues and jazz and their social, cultural, and economic impact on American society.

Marybeth Hamilton’s non‑fiction study examines the myth of the Delta blues, arguing that its celebrated form emerged in the late twentieth century as a product of white collectors’ idealization of unspoiled black singers.