Blues

Widespread interest in the blues was sparked again in the 1980s with the mainstream success of two Texas blues-rock groups, Stevie Ray Vaughan and Double Trouble and the Fabulous Thunderbirds. Vaughan, a powerful guitarist and vocalist, achieved superstar status before dying in a helicopter crash in 1990. Young blues artists such as guitarist Robert Cray also helped reenergize the form and, through regular airplay, attract new fans.

During the 1980s, blues societies were founded in cities throughout North America and radio shows devoted to the blues sprang up on many college and community stations. In 1980 the W. C. Handy Awards began, a program created by the nonprofit Blues Foundation to annually recognize the best in the blues. In addition, local governments in both Mississippi and Chicago launched blues festivals that quickly garnered a national following and served to keep the music vibrant in those two important cradles of the blues. All of these developments combined virtually ensure that blues music will remain vital and strong into the 21st century.