Mississippi Blues is a genre of music that originated in the early 20th century in the state of Mississippi. It is characterized by its expressive guitar playing, soulful vocals, and themes of hardship, love, and resilience. The music often features a call-and-response pattern, which reflects African American musical traditions. Key figures in Mississippi Blues include artists like Robert Johnson and Muddy Waters, who helped shape the sound and style of the genre. The music has influenced many other genres, including rock and roll and rhythm and blues, making it a foundational element of American music history.