Final answer:
The blues developed among African Americans in the South, particularly in the Mississippi Delta region, during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It combines African and European musical elements to create a distinct sound.
Step-by-step explanation:
The blues developed among African Americans in the South, particularly in the Mississippi Delta region, during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It was influenced by the musical traditions brought by enslaved Africans and combined with local instruments and living conditions.
The blues reflects both African and European musical elements. African influences can be heard in the emphasis on percussion and syncopated rhythms, as well as the use of bent or blue notes. European influences can be seen in the use of chord progressions and song structures from European musical traditions.
Overall, the blues is a unique genre that blends elements from both African and European musical traditions to create a distinct sound.