When was blues first called "the Devil’s music"?
When Was Blues First Called “The Devil’s Music”?
The term “the Devil’s music” has been historically associated with the blues genre. This article explores the origins of this term and the negative perception surrounding the blues. Drawing from various reputable sources, including Britannica, Music Fans Stack Exchange, and Wikipedia, we delve into the historical context that led to the blues being labeled as “the Devil’s music.”
Origin of the Term
The term “the Devil’s music” was initially used by parents and clergy who viewed the blues as seductive and destructive. They believed that the music’s rhythm and lyrics could corrupt the moral fabric of society. The association with the Devil stemmed from the perception that the blues went against religious teachings and promoted sinful behavior.
According to historical accounts, the term first gained prominence shortly after the emancipation of black Americans in the United States. As leisure activities became more accessible to the overworked and disenfranchised black community, juke joints, speakeasies, and brothels catering specifically to them began to emerge. These establishments became hotbeds for the evolution of black music, including the blues.
Negative Perception
The blues faced criticism from various sectors of society, including the black community itself. Many members of the black community at the time were deeply religious and believed that the blues subverted gospel and spiritual traditions. Critics condemned blues artists for indulging in a secular and self-indulgent lifestyle that deviated from the religious values upheld by the community.
The negative perception of the blues extended beyond the black community. The white establishment also expressed disapproval, further fueling the association of the blues with sinful influences. The New York Times published a denunciation of ragtime music as early as 1913, describing it as crude, vulgar, and defying propriety. This sentiment of moral alarm contributed to the perception of the blues as the Devil’s music.
Association with Vice
An additional factor that contributed to the negative perception of the blues was its association with vice. The blues lifestyle often involved drugs, sex, and alcohol, which further deepened the negative stereotypes surrounding the genre. The word “blue” itself was slang for being drunk in the 1800s, highlighting the close link between the music and the world of vice.
The period between 1920 and 1933, known as the Prohibition era in the United States, played a significant role in shaping the association of the blues with vice. With the prohibition of alcohol, illegal establishments flourished, and black musicians found lucrative opportunities to provide entertainment in these illicit venues. The blues became intertwined with the seediest aspects of society, further reinforcing its reputation as the Devil’s music.
Criminal Associations
Some blues artists had criminal backgrounds or were involved in violent incidents, adding to the perception of the blues as a dangerous genre. For example, blues singer Son House was convicted of murder, while Lead Belly escaped prison, committed murder, and engaged in knife fights. These stories and anecdotes from the underground blues community only served to intensify the negative perception surrounding the music.
In conclusion, the term “the Devil’s music” was used to describe the blues due to its perceived seductive and destructive nature. The negative perception stemmed from religious and societal concerns regarding the blues’ deviation from gospel and spiritual traditions, its association with vice, and the criminal associations of some blues artists. Understanding the historical context behind this term allows us to appreciate the complexity and significance of the blues genre in American music history.
Sources:
- Britannica: https://www.britannica.com/art/blues-music
- Music Fans Stack Exchange: https://musicfans.stackexchange.com/questions/3258/when-was-blues-first-called-the-devils-music
- Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blues
FAQs
When Was Blues First Called “The Devil’s Music”?
What was the origin of the term “the Devil’s music” in relation to the blues?
The term “the Devil’s music” originated from the perception of parents and clergy who considered the blues seductive and destructive. They believed that the music’s rhythm and lyrics could corrupt the moral fabric of society.
Why did the blues face negative perception from various sectors of society?
The blues faced criticism from different sectors, including the black community, for subverting gospel and spiritual traditions. Many religious individuals believed that the blues promoted a secular and self-indulgent lifestyle that deviated from their religious values.
How was the blues associated with vice?
The blues lifestyle was often associated with drugs, sex, and alcohol. This association further contributed to the negative perception of the music and reinforced the stereotype of the blues as a sinful genre.
Were there criminal associations with the blues?
Some blues artists had criminal backgrounds or were involved in violent incidents. These instances added to the perception of the blues as a dangerous genre and further deepened the negative reputation associated with it.
How did the Prohibition era influence the perception of the blues?
The Prohibition era, from 1920 to 1933 in the United States, played a significant role in shaping the association of the blues with vice. With the illegalization of alcohol, illegal establishments thrived, and black musicians found opportunities to provide entertainment in these illicit venues, further reinforcing the negative stereotypes surrounding the blues.
Were there any specific events or controversies that contributed to the label “the Devil’s music” for the blues?
While there were no specific events that directly led to the term, the blues’ association with vice, its deviation from religious traditions, and the criminal associations of some blues artists all contributed to the label “the Devil’s music.”
Has the perception of the blues changed over time?
Yes, the perception of the blues has evolved over time. As the genre gained recognition and appreciation for its cultural and historical significance, it gradually shed some of the negative stereotypes associated with it. Today, the blues is widely recognized as an important and influential genre in American music history.
How did the blues influence other musical genres?
The blues had a profound influence on numerous musical genres, including rock and roll, jazz, and soul. Its distinctive musical elements and emotional expression laid the foundation for the development of these genres, shaping the course of popular music in the 20th century and beyond.