Memphis, TN– Blues aficionados and cultural historians are reeling. Bluesmen got the blues. They woke up this morning to hear (or read) that The National Music Oversight Committee has announced a sweeping ban on misogynist lyrics in blues music, citing the genre’s “inherent misogyny and problematic historical context.” This decision has ignited a fire that’s raging. A debate over cultural heritage, artistic expression, and the evolution of popular music.
Trouble I seen. A hard road traveled.
The ban specifically targets classic blues songs that are deemed to perpetuate negative stereotypes and misogynistic themes. Among the examples cited by the Committee is Robert Johnson’s iconic “Me and the Devil Blues,” a haunting track in which the legendary bluesman sings about a disturbing encounter with the Devil, laced with overtones of male dominance and violence.
The Committee argues that such songs reflect a patriarchal worldview that has no place in modern society.
“Our aim is to make the Blues a safe zone for women. We want to see women playing the Blues. Even our transgender bredren.” says blues man Pentatonic.
Me and the Devil
Was walkin’ side by side
And I’m going to beat my woman
Until I get satisfied
In a detailed statement, the Committee elaborated on its stance: “While we acknowledge the historical significance of blues music as an expression of the African American struggle and resilience, we cannot overlook the fact that many of its themes are deeply rooted in misogyny. It is time to re-evaluate the impact of these songs on contemporary audiences.”
They got a point. You sing something long enough you start to believe in it. Rock and Roll, the spawn of black blues music, was riddled with abuse of women, groupies and particularly in 1960s underage sex.
Blues music, like many genres, has songs that reflect the attitudes and social norms of their time, some of which contain misogynistic themes.
The move has sparked outrage among blues enthusiasts and musicians. This is the emasculation of a genre which is an essential part of American cultural history. Critics argue that banning blues music erases a vital expression of the African American experience, a point underscored by the genre’s origins in the racially oppressed communities of the early 20th century. Blues music, they contend, was a powerful medium through which Black artists articulated their pain, joy, and resilience in the face of systemic injustice.
However, the Committee’s decision also highlights a controversial chapter in the history of blues music: its appropriation by white middle-class youths. Frank Zappa’s satirical lyric from his song “You Are What You Is” captures this phenomenon succinctly: “A foolish young man from a middle-class family started playing the blues because it made him feel manly.” This lyric critiques how blues music, originally a profound expression of racial and social strife, was co-opted by white musicians who often overlooked its deeper significance.
Defenders of the ban argue that this appropriation diluted the genre’s original message and contributed to the perpetuation of harmful stereotypes. They claim that, by playing and popularizing these songs without understanding their context, white middle-class musicians inadvertently reinforced a simplistic and often harmful view of the blues and its themes.
Yet, the opposition remains strong. “Banning blues music is like banning a part of our soul,” said famed blues guitarist B.B. King Jr., who followed in the footsteps of his legendary father. “The blues is not just music; it’s a history lesson, a cultural bridge, and a universal language of human emotion.”
As the debate rages on, one thing is clear: the legacy of blues music is more complex and multifaceted than a simple categorization of right or wrong. The controversy surrounding the ban raises important questions about how society reconciles the preservation of cultural heritage with the evolving understanding of social justice.
In the meantime, blues clubs across the country are experiencing a surge in attendance, as fans gather to celebrate and defend the genre they love. Whether the ban will stand or be overturned remains to be seen, but for now, the spirit of the blues continues to resonate, a testament to its enduring power and relevance.