Why doesn't no one know when the blues started?

The origins of the blues are difficult to pinpoint due to its development as an oral tradition among African American communities in the Deep South during the late 19th century. The genre emerged from a blend of African musical traditions, spirituals, work songs, and Folk Music, making it hard to trace a definitive starting point. Additionally, the lack of written records and the informal nature of its transmission contribute to the uncertainty surrounding its beginnings. As a result, the blues likely evolved gradually, reflecting the complex social and cultural dynamics of the time.