Final answer:
T-Bone Walker, born in Texas, played blues guitar in the style of fellow Texan Blind Lemon Jefferson and contributed to the development of electric blues. His learning reflects the importance of African American mentorship in American music history, similar to other artists such as Carl Perkins.
Step-by-step explanation:
Born in Texas, T-Bone Walker grew up playing blues guitar in the style of Blind Lemon Jefferson, who was also from Texas. Walker was influenced by Jefferson's approach to music and contributed significantly to the development of the electric blues guitar style. His inclusion in the list of musicians with significant African American musical mentors illustrates the critical role these relationships played in the formation of rock 'n' roll. Mentoring and the exchange of musical skills have deep roots in American music history, demonstrated by the cross-generational teachings such as portrayed in Henry Ossawa Tanner's painting The Banjo Lesson.
Like T-Bone Walker, other influential musicians like Carl Perkins also had African American mentors that shaped their musical direction. Perkins' experiences highlight how musical styles and influences crossed racial boundaries, resulting in his songs reaching a diverse audience, as seen in the success of "Blue Suede Shoes". This blend of influences is a testament to the rich tapestry of American music and its history.