When it comes to most topics involving BBQ, there are strong opinions that can vary greatly from one person to the next. Whether it’s the type of wood to use, what temperature to cook at, or even what exactly makes something worthy of being called barbecue, there are nearly endless areas for people to debate. I wonder though if the majority of people can agree that Blues is the best style of music to be associated with BBQ. Of course there are other types of music that could be considered “BBQ music” but in a general, overall sense, I think Blues should be considered the king. Growing up in Kansas City, I definitely associate Blues with BBQ. I would guess the same is true in the Memphis and St. Louis areas. Other regions of the country may associate Country music with BBQ more than Blues and I think that works too (as long as it’s not new pop-country). Gospel music is another fitting genre along with some Jazz and maybe some R&B. I suppose there are many people that would think rock and roll should be on the list as well. There could be some debate there depending on the type of rock it is but there’s surely some that would be fitting (especially since most rock is almost entirely based on blues).
It doesn’t have to be slow and low like the cooking of BBQ itself, but it does need to have some heart, some soul, and substance to it to be considered BBQ music.