“St. Louis Blues”: music and lyrics by W.C. Handy, recorded by Bessie Smith, 1925 “That Black Snake Moan”: written and recorded by Blind Lemon Jefferson, 1926
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Both of these recordings are in the blues genre and were recorded within a year of each other, yet they are very different. They also have many similarities; compare and contrast them.
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What do hear as the musical, lyrical, and/or emotional high point of each recording? Be specific both about the point in the song (pinpointing lyrics or using track timing) and why it is the high point for you.
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In your opinion, which of these two songs is a more “authentic” recording of the blues?
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Which of the two do you prefer listening to, and for what reasons?