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The Blues, a genre of music that originated in the Deep South of the United States in the late 19th century, has its roots in African musical traditions, spirituals, work songs, field hollers, shouts, and chants, and European folk melodies. The name “blues” comes from the feeling of sadness or melancholy, which was often expressed in the songs. The first recorded blues song is considered to be “Crazy Blues” by Mamie Smith in 1920. The blues had a significant influence on other genres of music, including country, jazz, and rock and roll.