Blues music has significant cultural roots in the African-American community, particularly in the Southern United States, where it originated. In the US, blues music enjoys a relatively strong and dedicated fan base. According to a 2019 report by Statista, the blues genre had a 2.7% market share of total music consumption in the United States.
Beyond its base in the US, blues music has gained international recognition and has fans in various countries. While it may not be as mainstream as some other popular music genres, blues enthusiasts can be found in regions like Europe, the UK, Canada, Japan, and Australia. Blues festivals and events that take place in these regions often attract a significant number of attendees.
It's worth mentioning that blues music has influenced many other genres, such as rock, jazz, and rhythm and blues (R&B). As these genres have gained widespread popularity, elements of blues music have also reached a broader audience indirectly.
In conclusion, while determining a specific number for the global blues music audience is challenging due to various factors, it's safe to say that blues has dedicated fans and followers worldwide and continues to be celebrated for its cultural and musical significance.