Final answer:
Elmore James's version of "I Believe I'll Dust My Broom" showcased the synthesis of electric blues within the broader context of the evolution of African American music, leading up to the rock and roll era.
Step-by-step explanation:
Elmore James's recording of Robert Johnson's twelve-bar blues song “I Believe I’ll Dust My Broom” exemplified the synthesis of electric blues and the impact of African American music culture. This synthesis was part of the larger phenomenon where the combination of electric instruments with the sounds of gospel, blues, country, jazz, and R&B fused into what we recognize today as rock and roll. Elmore James was known for incorporating electric guitar sounds into his blues music, contributing to this innovative blend that subsequently captivated audiences.
The evolution of blues music from African-American spirituals and work songs is significant, reflecting a history that includes both inherited musical traditions and the innovative responses to living conditions in the South. This included an emphasis on percussion and syncopated rhythms, bent or blue notes, representing a profound musical and cultural synthesis. James, much like other musicians of his time, played an integral part in creating a new style that resonated with the highs and lows of African American life and paved the way for future rock and roll music.