Stomping the Blues

Stomping the Blues is a 1976 work by Albert Murray, an African American essayist, critic, and novelist. In this book, Murray posits that blues and jazz music developed as positive responses to hardship and suffering. He explores the cultural significance of these genres, alongside other artistic forms, arguing for the vital influence of Black people in shaping American traditions.1

The blues itself is a secular folk music genre created by African Americans in the early 20th century, originating in the Southern United States. It is characterized by expressive vocal techniques, microtonal pitch inflections (blue notes), and a specific lyrical and harmonic structure. The blues has profoundly influenced numerous popular music genres, including jazz, rhythm and blues, rock, and country music.2