“B.B. King: King of the Blues”, Rita Charleston (1912-2001)

News Article of the Philadelphia Tribune

The news article, “B.B. King: King of the Blues,” written by Rita Charleston, found on ProQuest, features quotes by B.B. King, names of awards he has received, and a story about how he presented a guitar to the pope. The news article was published in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in March 1998. The piece was written for fans of B.B. King and the general public in order to show the starting point of an African American’s musical career and the accomplishments he later made because of his earnest efforts and perseverance. The major theme throughout the article is that B.B. King is an inspiration to the public including the pope and other African American musicians in that he started “playing on the street corners for dimes,” but later is receiving honorary doctorate degrees. For example, some of the rewards he received were the Presidential Medal of the Arts. This source will enrich my project by giving an example of an African American musician who overcame adversity.

“Muddy Waters – I Can’t Be Satisfied”

Muddy Waters, YouTube Video (1948)

YouTube Video posted in 2009

This YouTube Video displays one of Muddy Waters’s early released songs of his career. Close your eyes and take a listen to the brassy sounds of the guitar during its solos, as well as the lyrics of his song. In the song, Muddy is telling his woman that he’s leaving town since he has a worried mind and can’t be satisfied. He must go down south for her safety and his own. This video was made for those who enjoy listening to Muddy Waters and his style of blues. This source ties into the concerns and fear that African Americans had to live in neighborhoods with white people who discriminated against them and even acted violently towards them.