Blues was one of the most influential musical styles of the twentieth century, and still has a huge following and effect on all kinds of contemporary music. In this compact reference, the history, sounds and influences of this most popular of styles is celebrated decade by decade, from the early years with Charley Patton, through the forties and fifties with John Lee Hooker and Fats Domino, to Robert Cray in the Eighties and how Blues is being made today.