Books like In search of the blues by Marybeth Hamilton

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.

Alan Lomax chronicles the rise of the blues from the cotton‑rich Mississippi Delta, revealing the hardships of African‑American life, and its influence on legends like Muddy Waters, Robert Johnson and modern guitarists.

"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.

Delta Blues traces the rise of the Mississippi Delta’s musical voice from field hollers to global influence, spotlighting legends such as Robert Johnson, Muddy Waters, and B.B. King.