Blues, Folklore, and Black Identity: A Legacy of Resistance and Revival
By: Lamont Jack Pearley
Furry Lewis c. 1927
On this day, March 6, we recognize significant moments in both blues history and the broader landscape of Black American folklore. From the birth of blues legend Furry Lewis to the infamous Dred Scott decision and the enduring legacy of folkloric themes in his lyrics, the cultural fabric of Black America is woven with resilience, artistry, and profound storytelling. The recently released film The Blues Society further deepens this narrative by documenting a pivotal moment in blues history, making this an opportune time to reflect on these interwoven legacies.
On March 6, 1893, Walter “Furry” Lewis was born in Greenwood, Mississippi. As a country blues guitarist and songwriter, Lewis was a key figure in the Memphis blues movement. His intricate fingerpicking, storytelling lyricism, and emotive performances captured the essence of the early blues. Though he stepped away from music for a time, he was rediscovered during the 1960s folk blues revival, showcasing the timeless nature of the genre and its ability to reach new audiences across generations.
Furry Lewis’s music is steeped in folklore and sacred symbolism, reflecting traditional Black vernacular and behavioral patterns passed down through generations. His lyrics often reference hoodoo, biblical allegory, and spiritual traditions that survived through oral storytelling. Songs such as John Henry and Kassie Jones recount legendary figures who represent strength, resilience, and the struggle for justice—motifs commonly found in Black American folklore. Additionally, Lewis’s frequent mention of trains, crossroads, and supernatural elements ties into the blues’ long-standing connection to spiritual journeys, transformation, and fate. These lyrical patterns reinforce the idea that blues music was more than entertainment; it was a vessel for sacred knowledge, communal identity, and cultural preservation.
The Dred Scott Decision: A Dark Moment in Black American History
On this same date in 1857, the U.S. Supreme Court issued the Dred Scott decision, ruling that enslaved people and their descendants were not citizens and had no legal standing in court. This decision deepened the racial divides that would lead to the Civil War, underscoring the systemic oppression that blues music would later express. The blues was, in many ways, born from the suffering and injustices that cases like Dred Scott highlighted—a raw, emotive art form chronicling the struggles and triumphs of Black life in America.
The intersection of Black and Indigenous histories in America is deeply significant. The Chickasaw and Choctaw Nations, among other Southeastern tribes, had long histories of interactions with Black individuals—some through enslavement, others through kinship and resistance. However, it is also crucial to acknowledge that some Black individuals are not simply connected to Indigenous communities through external relationships but are, in fact, Indigenous themselves—full tribal members with ancestral ties predating European contact. Many Black Indigenous people maintain their distinct cultural traditions while contributing to the shared musical and storytelling practices that shaped the blues. This history reminds us that the Black American experience is multifaceted and includes deeply rooted Indigenous heritage that continues to shape identity, folklore, and artistic expression.
The Blues Society: A New Film Documenting Blues Revival
Amid this historical backdrop, the recently released documentary The Blues Society sheds light on the blues revival of the 1960s and the role of white enthusiasts in preserving and promoting the genre. It interrogates the complex relationship between race, ownership, and cultural appreciation in blues history. As much as the film acknowledges efforts The Blues Society to keep the blues alive, it also raises questions about appropriation and the erasure of Black agency in defining its own musical heritage.
In this episode of Jack Dappa Blues Radio, I sit down with filmmaker and scholar Augusta Palmer, daughter of Robert Palmer, a founding member of the Memphis Country Blues Society. Augusta and her team worked tirelessly to bring The Blues Society documentary to the public. Also joining the conversation is The American Songster, Dom Flemons, who is featured in the film. Together, we discuss the film’s journey, the legacy of the Memphis Country Blues Society, and the broader cultural significance of blues preservation.
The blues is not just a genre of music; it is a lived experience, a cultural expression, and a historical record of Black struggle and triumph. From Furry Lewis’s soulful performances to the folklore woven into his lyrics, from the injustices of Dred Scott to the contemporary discussions in The Blues Society, today’s date serves as a reminder of how deeply intertwined these narratives are.
As we reflect on these histories, we must continue to honor and amplify the voices that originated this art form. The blues belongs to the people who lived it, and it is our responsibility to preserve, contextualize, and celebrate it within its rightful heritage.
Join the Conversation
What are your thoughts on the legacy of the blues and Black folklore? Have you seen The Blues Society? Let’s discuss the intersection of history, culture, and music in the comments below!
