The only book about the blues that embraces a complete history, this ambitious work traces almost 1,000 years of cultural history and connects the blues to its roots in African history and musical forms and to the history of slavery. This comprehensive reference contains an up-to-date biographical dictionary which includes discographies of over 300 blues men and women.

Nicknames by which the musicians are known are cross-referenced; photos of many blues greats, some from the author's personal collection; an extensive filmography, discography, and bibliography; visits to highly musical places where the blues flourished in America; and a study of the influence of voodoo on the blues and, in turn, the influence of the blues on rock and roll.

Sonnier has been involved with the blues all his life, and brings to this work both professional expertise and an intimate knowledge of the music and its interpreters.