history

If you're interested in the development of recording technology (microphones, recording media, studio layout and mixing) you may like "Sessions with Sinatra: Frank Sinatra and the Art of Recording"

While I'm on a reference kick, "All Music Guide to the Blues" has a very cool section in the back that details the history and evolution (through its innovators) of each instrument in the blues.
http://www.amazon.com/All-Music-Guide-Blues-Definitive/dp/0879307366

A very extensive article on the past challenges of Hohner Marine Band quality control and the birth of harmonica customization featuring our resident harp tech expert Kinya Pollard, The Harpsmith, and other contributors to BluesHarmonica.com... Steve Baker, Joe Filisko, Brendan Power and Richard Sleigh.

The Return of the Harmonica
http://craftsmanship.net/the-return-of-the-harmonica/

"A Brief History of Harmonicas" from the What You Missed in History Class podcast http://www.missedinhistory.com/podcasts/a-brief-history-of-harmonicas/

Thanks to Big Al Blake for sharing this article today...

In A Few Fateful Years, One Record Label Blew Open The Blues
http://www.npr.org/2015/01/31/382701847/in-a-few-fateful-years-one-recor...

Some nice Junior Wells playing at the 27 minute mark...

Chicago Blues Documentary (1972)
http://youtu.be/EzAySaWy9sc?list=PLqCjLhOxHNnLzDFIHOc0F4E5oT-R-HR1c

Some early footage in this "BLUES MASTERS: The Essential History of the Blues" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Q0D8iMYL9Q&index=140&list=PLqCjLhOxHNnL...

This comes from Joe Filisko's B1 Blues Room student newsletter...

WBEZ's Sound Opinions recently discussed the legacy of Chess Records, with nods to harp legends, Muddy Waters, Willie Dixon, Chuck Berry and more. This is definitely worth a listen: http://www.soundopinions.org/show/440