In the earlier days of the Blues, it was said by many, that Blacks were ashamed of the Blues. That Blues was their central empbarassment. So widespread is this statement, that one can't help but accept it.To them the Blues was: slavery, poverty, ignorance, bondage, etc. But was it something to be ashamed of? Or, was it something to take pride in?
For one to ponder this question without the wrong outcome is foolish. The Blues was, and is, something to take pride in. Millions and millions of people the world over worship the Blues artist. Millions....But let's look at how the Blues survived.
Many black Blues artists stopped playing the Blues. It failed to feed their families and it was an embarassment. The Blues renaissance period would change this. Martin Scorsese certainly did his part, though much later.
Blacks were, by necessity, preoccupied with being self-supporting. The Blues offered no option here. So, it had to go. It caused embarassment. It caused poverty. It caused ridicule. Young Blacks spurned the Blues for other music options. But white audiences would not let the Blues die. They were listening in growing numbers and they wanted more.
Blues musicians, including Blacks, were now in growing demand. The post - Vienam era saw a huge jump in popularity. Blues was here to stay, and white audiences were paying the bill. Fillmore East and West welcomed BB King and other Blues artists. This occurred while the faithful Black Blues artists returned to small venues, clubs and juke joints. The Chit'lin circuit as it was known.