In his publication of 1985, Peter Freese initially states, that in order to fully comprehend American culture and its products one must understand “certain enduring beliefs and convictions” (Freese 1985: 3). According to him, these beliefs and convictions together make up the ‘American Dream’, a concept that is and has been an integral constituent of American culture and society from its very beginning until today. Blues music is a product and certainly an important part of American culture and for over a century. Knowing this, the American Dream and the ideas that it represents must in some form relate to significant elements of blues music. But what is ‘The American Dream’ and what is ‘The Blues’?
Table of Contents
1. Intoduction
2. The American Dream
2.1. Peter Freese
2.2. Fossum and Roth
3. The Blues
3.1. Introduction
3.2. Blues History and Characteristics
4. The American Dream in Blues Music
4.1. Introduction
4.2. Success and Progress
4.3. Movement Towards New Froniers
4.4. Religious Aspects
4.5. Liberty, Equality and the Pursuit of Happiness
5. Conclusion
6. Discography
7. Bibliography
Research Objectives and Themes
This academic paper explores the thematic parallels between the quintessential American cultural concept of the "American Dream" and the lyrics of early blues music. The core research question examines whether blues music, often born from the socio-economic despair of marginalized African-Americans, reflects, critiques, or embodies the ideals of the American Dream, and how these contradictory experiences shaped a unique cultural narrative.
- Theoretical definitions of the American Dream by Freese, Fossum, and Roth.
- Historical evolution and foundational characteristics of early blues music.
- Intersection of socio-economic aspirations and the "American Nightmare."
- Representation of religious faith and civil liberties within blues lyrics.
- The role of the American Constitution and democracy in the context of blues narratives.
Excerpt from the Book
4.2. Success and Progress
This grim piece by J.B. Lenoir poignantly displays the Mississipi Delta blues singer’s credo. As Evans (1982: 19) states, “Blues simply reflect an attitude that, despite all of one’s efforts things are not likely to get much better in the long run”. It is important of course to point out and keep in mind that no blues is like the other and that it would be foolish to make generalized assumptions about a whole style of music. Yet, there are regularities and similarities that can be described and analyzed. Blues music originated in a situation full of despair, a seemingly hopeless rut that dominated the singers state of mind, feelings and inevitably coined the music. Eventually, there was improvement and thus the notion of hope for a better future as an element of the blues does seem reasonable.
Starting with the first publications of blues songs in the early nineteen teens by the likes of W.C. Handy, the blues grew immensely popular. Some blues singers gained huge popularity in the first decades of the twentieth century and did in fact live some kind of American Dream. Others, like Skip James sold many records but hardly received any compensation other than a bottle of liquor or a few dollars for expenses (Wyman 2006: 172. et al.). During the folk revival of the 1960’s when the interest of a bigger audience in blues music sparked up again, many original blues singers were rediscovered, toured again and did in fact make a financial profit. The first wave of interest in blues music, however, almost came to a halt during the worldwide economic recession and only the most popluar artist could continue to record. The Great Depression of the 1930’s had an affect on all layers of society but hit the people who were already at the bottom particularly hard. Skip James wrote a popular song titled Hard Time Killing Floor that conveys much of the spirit of the time.
Summary of Chapters
1. Intoduction: This chapter introduces the theoretical framework regarding the American Dream and establishes the connection to blues music as a cultural product.
2. The American Dream: This chapter outlines the definitions and core components of the American Dream as proposed by scholars Peter Freese, Robert Fossum, and John Roth.
3. The Blues: This section provides a fundamental overview of blues history, its origins in the African-American experience, and its recurring thematic structures.
4. The American Dream in Blues Music: The main analysis section, where specific ideals of the American Dream—such as success, mobility, and equality—are examined against the lyrical content of early blues.
5. Conclusion: The final chapter summarizes the findings, confirming that while blues music interacts with the concepts of the American Dream, it often highlights the disparity between the dream and the reality experienced by many.
6. Discography: A comprehensive list of the blues songs and recordings cited and analyzed throughout the paper.
7. Bibliography: A list of academic sources and references used to support the analysis of the American Dream and blues history.
Keywords
American Dream, Blues Music, African-American Culture, Peter Freese, Robert Fossum, John Roth, Social Mobility, Great Depression, Jim Crow, Racial Discrimination, Civil Liberties, Lyrical Analysis, Cultural History, American Nightmare, Protest Songs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the central focus of this paper?
The paper explores the relationship between the cultural concept of the "American Dream" and the themes found in early American blues music.
What are the primary themes examined?
Key themes include the belief in progress, individual success, westward movement, religious aspects of the dream, and the struggle for liberty and equality.
What is the main goal of the research?
The goal is to determine how the "American Dream" manifests in blues music and whether the music aligns with or challenges these societal ideals.
Which scientific methods are employed?
The author uses a qualitative, analytical approach, synthesizing historical context with textual analysis of blues lyrics and scholarly theories.
What topics are discussed in the main body?
The main body covers the theoretical definitions of the American Dream, the history of blues, and detailed thematic analyses of song lyrics in relation to concepts like the "American Nightmare."
Which keywords best characterize this work?
The work is characterized by terms such as American Dream, Blues Music, African-American experience, social mobility, and cultural critique.
How does the author define the "American Nightmare"?
The author uses Freese’s term to describe the discrepancy between the promises of the American Dream and the harsh realities faced by many individuals, particularly African-Americans.
Why does the author focus on early blues music up to the 1930s?
Limiting the scope to the early period allows for a more focused analysis of the foundational roots of the music in relation to the socio-economic conditions of that era.
In what way does the paper relate the U.S. Constitution to blues music?
The author references scholars like O’Meally, who argue that the blues function as a "blues document" by opposing oppressive authority and echoing the search for individual freedom.
- Quote paper
- Frank Schmidt (Author), 2008, The American Dream in Blues Music, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/202172
