Blues Clues

During any given week, many clubs throughout St. Louis showcase musicians dedicated to exploring pentatonic scales, dimished fifths and the like. The artists range from the solo fingerpicking acoustic work of Brian Curran to the all-out rockin’ electric blues style of the city’s most acclaimed group, the Soulard Blues Band. “The music of this city has always been a creative merging of styles,” says Kevin Belford, author of Devil at the Confluence: The Pre-War Blues Music of St. Louis Missouri. “It’s a legacy that continues to this day and is enjoyed every night in the city — whether anybody outside the area knows about it or not.”

This info-packed timeline reveals everything you need to know about the St. Louis blues — including the best spots to hear it while you’re in town.

1850's

The three-story building that is 700 Broadway is completed. On its way to becoming one of the best blues houses in town, it was many things, including a bordello. Since 1996, it’s been home to BB’s Jazz, Blues and Soups, where local, regional, and touring legends light up the stage. Recent additions include a second-floor dining room with theater seating overlooking the stage and a “New Orleans” balcony offering a great view of downtown. 700 S Broadway; 314-436-5222; www.bbsjazzbluessoups.com

1892

W. C. Handy busks in the saloons of St. Louis. He later pens the popular tune "The St. Louis Blues.

1918

"Henry “Mule” Townsend, just nine years old, hoboes his way to St. Louis. He makes his first recording in 1929 and meets Robert Johnson, who is "moderately impressed."

1924

Pioneering bluesman Lonnie Johnson wins the St. Louis talent contest and makes one of the first recordings of the blues, singing and playing guitar. He later records with Louis Armstrong and His Hot Five, as well as Duke Ellington.

1927

The New Cinderella Recreation Hall and Dance Academy opens in the CherokeeLemp district. Now the Casa Loma Ballroom, it hosts dance lessons and private events. www.casalomaballroom.com

1933

The Four Vagabonds, made up of Vashon High School students, is formed. They would become radio stars by the mid-1940s.

1958

Blues guitar legend Albert King first starts playing his signature Gibson Flying V guitar in blues clubs in St. Louis and East St. Louis.

1959

Oliver Sain, sax player and composer, opens a studio with Little Milton, Fontella Bass and Bobby McClure. He is synonymous with St. Louis blues until his death in 2003.

1978

The Soulard Blues Band is formed. Named the best blues band in town 13 times by readers of the Riverfront Times, they play regularly at Broadway Oyster Bar. The New Orleans-inspired venue offers live music seven nights a week, plus some of the best Cajun cuisine in town. 736 S Broadway; 314-621-8811; www.broadwayoysterbar.com

1986

Billy Peek — blues guitarist, Chuck Berry sideman and fixture of many regional blues festivals — records his local hit “Can a White Boy Play the Blues?”

1995

The first annual Big Muddy Blues Festival begins. Last year, 30 acts played over two days to 80,000 people at Laclede’s Landing. Don’t miss this year’s festival, Sept. 3-4. www.lacledeslanding.com

2000

STLBlues launches. A relentless booster of the blues, it becomes a one-stop shop for finding out what’s happening now. The online live music guide and list of bands and clubs will have you soaking up the blues in no time. www.stlblues.net

2001

Beale on Broadway opens its doors. The illustrious Kim Massie often graces the stage at this popular blues spot, which has live music seven nights a week until 3am. 701 S Broadway; 314-621-7880; www.bealeonbroadway.com

2002

Johnnie Johnson (Chuck Berry’s original pianist) headlines the second Old Webster Blues and Jazz Festival. At this family-friendly event, tots (and their parents) can groove to soulful sounds from area veterans. This year's event is Sept. 17. www.oldwebsterjazzfestival.com

2010

The first Bluesweek Festival takes place. Expect great music, workshops and an allstar blues brunch at the upcoming event, Aug. 25 to Sept. 4. stlbluesweek.com

2011

Blues Cruises aboard the Becky Thatcher riverboat begin in June, running monthly through October. The fare is $18 for a 2.5-hour nighttime cruise featuring live music from some of the area’s best bands. 877-982-1410