From "Mystery Train" to "Cyberspace Sadie": References to Technology in Blues Recordings, 1923-2003

Over the past eight decades the lyrics of blues recordings have provided valuable insights into the opinions and feelings of singers and songwriters. Commentaries concerning workplace relations, self esteem, romantic involvements, financial security, clothing styles, alcohol use, religion, health, death, and other universal human issues have been persistent. Yet it is rare to find students or teachers engaged in the investigation of blues lyrics that address personal involvements with technology. Nevertheless, there is a clear pattern of lyrical observations concerning communication, transportation, and even information technology in both the titles and lyrics of recorded blues tunes. The following study provides a brief narrative along with lengthy illustrative lists of blues songs and recent instructional research studies to assist classroom teachers and popular music researchers in assembling profiles about blues--appropriated technology references and themes.