Language of the Blues - Edmonton Blues Society

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Because people in Africa danced far more often in groups than in mixed couples, African
slaves were initially mortified by partnered courtship dances, such as reels and quadrilles,
that they saw people of European descent perform on the plantations. Among slaves and
their descendants, group dances like the shuffling ring shout were deemed acceptable
shioners into a frenzy.
hands were clapped and the sweat was pouring and people were testifying, fainting,
speaking in tongues, being at least transported and often saved, which meant to be
overwhelmed by the Holy Ghost-
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rapture, but it had taken on a sexual connotation as well. To rock meant for lovers to keep
the rhythmic action of intercourse steady, slow, and under control, so that the man could
make love for a long time without ejaculating. As Frank Stokes sang to a lov
Songs:
Take me in your arms and rock me good and slow
So I can take my time and do my work everywhere I go
- Frank Stokes
- John Lee Hooker
- Edward Thompson
R O L L
juke joints as
see also rock, roll
ared in
R&B records as early as the 1920s.
boogie woogie with influences from Appalachian mountain music, gospel, and country
and western. Some ethnomusicologists also include connections to the African shuffle
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According to pianist Dr. John, who was an A&R (artist and repertoire) man in New
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