Blues music is rooted in the culture of African drumming and features distinct rhythmic qualities. Common characteristics are a loud and prominent horn section, a quick beat and a commanding lead vocalist. The blues experienced a surge in popularity during the 1940's. Famous blues artists include Bessie Smith, Big Joe Turner and Muddy Waters.
Hillbilly music is rooted in the cultures of the English, Irish and Scottish settlers who lived in the Appalachian mountain region of the American South. Characteristics of this music include the use of guitars, banjos, fiddles, harmonicas, mandolins and vocals. Hillbilly music scored its first commercial hit in 1923 with a pair of recordings by Fiddlin' John Carson. After the emergence of Nashville's Grand Ole Opry in 1925, hillbilly music gained mass popularity. In 1949, the recording industry switched the name of hillbilly music to country or country & western music to broaden its appeal.
The primary differences between hillbilly and blues music are the rhythm styles, instruments and song format. In blues, the rhythm and rhythmic patterns dominate each song. The instruments used are typically brass, drums, guitar and vocals. Songs in the blues genre allow more freedom for extended instrumental jam sessions and do not have to follow rigid formulas. Most hillbilly songs tend to be more structured, with standard verses and choruses. Typical instruments include guitar, fiddle, banjo and mandolin.
Both hillbilly and blues music boast landmark locations. The Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, Tennessee is known as "country's most famous stage." In the first half of the 20th Century New York City's Harlem neighborhood boasted many famous blues and jazz clubs, including the Apollo Theatre, Cotton Club and Savoy Ballroom.