"The Blues was born behind a mule," according to Mississippi Delta Bluesman, Muddy Waters. The legendary Robert Johnson was said to have cut a deal with the devil to attain his unparalleled mastery of the guitar. Ma Rainey, the Mother of the Blues, famously advised Bessie Smith to "let your soul do the singing." Join N.Y.S. Chancellor's Award Recipient, Professor Craig Boyd, as he examines the birth of the Blues and its unique contributions in the development of American music.