The American Dream in Blues Music

Term Paper (Advanced seminar) , 2008 , 15 Pages , Grade: 1,7

American Studies - Literature

In his publication of 1985, Peter Freese initially states, that in order to fully comprehend American culture and its products one must understand “certain enduring beliefs and convictions” (Freese 1985: 3). According to him, these beliefs and convictions together make up the ‘American Dream’, a concept that is and has been an integral constituent of American culture and society from its very beginning until today. Blues music is a product and certainly an important part of American culture and for over a century. Knowing this, the American Dream and the ideas that it represents must in some form relate to significant elements of blues music. But what is ‘The American Dream’ and what is ‘The Blues’?

Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)

• Introduction
• The American Dream
  • Peter Freese
  • Fossum and Roth
• The Blues
  • Introduction
  • Blues History and Characteristics
• The American Dream in Blues Music
  • Introduction
  • Success and Progress
  • Movement Towards New Frontiers
  • Religious Aspects
  • Liberty, Equality and the Pursuit of Happiness
• Conclusion
• Discography
• Bibliography

Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)

This paper aims to explore the relationship between the American Dream and blues music. By examining key elements of the American Dream and analyzing their relevance in blues music, this paper seeks to understand how this concept has shaped and been reflected in this particular musical genre.

• The American Dream as a concept and its constituent elements
• The history and characteristics of blues music
• The representation of the American Dream in blues music
• The relationship between the American Dream and the lived experiences of African Americans
• The enduring themes and messages of blues music

Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)

• Introduction: The introduction sets the stage for the paper by outlining the central argument that blues music is a product of American culture and therefore reflects the beliefs and convictions associated with the American Dream. This chapter also briefly introduces the concept of the American Dream and blues music, highlighting the complexity of both.
• The American Dream: This chapter delves into the concept of the American Dream, exploring the theories and definitions of two influential scholars, Peter Freese and Robert Fossum & John Roth. Freese emphasizes the interconnected nature of the American Dream, highlighting six key components, while Fossum and Roth focus on the belief in new beginnings and the importance of individual freedom.
• The Blues: This chapter provides an overview of the history and characteristics of blues music. It traces the origins of blues to African-American music, emphasizing the role of field hollers, work songs, and spirituals. The chapter also discusses the themes commonly found in blues lyrics, such as leaving, returning home, self-pity, and boasting.
• The American Dream in Blues Music: This chapter explores the intersection of the American Dream and blues music. The chapter begins by noting the different origins of the two concepts, yet emphasizes their connection as products of American culture. It then breaks down the American Dream into four major points: progress, movement towards new frontiers, religious aspects, and liberty, equality, and the pursuit of happiness. The chapter examines how these elements are represented in blues music and the ways in which blues musicians may have reflected or challenged the American Dream.

Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)

The key concepts and topics explored in this paper include the American Dream, blues music, African American culture, social mobility, individual success, religious themes, liberty, equality, and the pursuit of happiness. The paper focuses on the historical development of both the American Dream and blues music, examining how these concepts intersect and influence each other.

• College: University of Hamburg
• Grade: 1,7
• Author: Frank Schmidt (Author)
• Publication Year: 2008
• Pages: 15
• Catalog Number: V202172
• ISBN (eBook): 9783656284635
• ISBN (Book): 9783656284758
• Language: English
• Tags: american, dream, blues, music