British blues is a music genre that emerged in the United Kingdom during the 1960s, heavily influenced by American blues artists. Musicians like Eric Clapton, The Rolling Stones, and The Yardbirds played a crucial role in popularizing this style, blending traditional blues with rock elements. The genre is characterized by its expressive guitar work, soulful vocals, and emotional lyrics. British blues bands often incorporated improvisation and showcased their musical skills in live performances, contributing to the development of rock music and paving the way for future genres like hard rock and heavy metal.