Boogie-woogie is a musical genre that became popular during the late 1920s, but developed in
African American communities in the 1870s. It was eventually extended from piano, to piano duo and trio,
guitar,
big band,
country and western music, and
gospel. While the
blues traditionally expresses a variety of emotions, boogie-woogie is mainly associated with
dancing. The lyrics of one of the earliest hits, "
Pinetop's Boogie Woogie", consist entirely of instructions to dancers:
- Now, when I tell you to hold yourself, don't you move a peg.
- And when I tell you to get it, I want you to Boogie Woogie!