LS 179 - The Art of the Blues - Sinclair

Writing Assignment #1

Response to James Cone and LeRoi Jones (Amiri Baraka)


Cone, the theologian


Jones, the poet

You have been asked to read selections from the following two texts, both by important African African authors:

James H. Cone. The Spirituals and the Blues: An Interpretation.

LeRoi Jones (Amiri Baraka). Blues People: Negro Music in White America.

Your assignment:

Respond to these two authors. Questions to consider...

What do you agree with? What did you disagree with? Did you learn something? What surprised you?

What role does the blues play in African American history and culture? Why should we be studying this music, anyway? What historical factors contribute to the music's importance? Why does this music have "staying power"?

The early blues musicians we are studying come from very different backgrounds than most of us, and their music comes from a different set of experiences. What draws you to their music? What themes are universal?

What to turn in:

A 2-page, double-spaced, word-processed, thoughtful, well-crafted response by Sept. 8.

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